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The Buddhist deities Sitasamvara and Vajrayogini
The Buddhist deities Sitasamvara and Vajrayogini

The Buddhist deities Sitasamvara and Vajrayogini

Place of OriginBeijing, China
Date1800-1900
MaterialsColors on cotton
DimensionsH. 39.5 in x W. 26 7/8 in, H. 103.3 cm x W. 68.3 cm (image); H. 42 in x W. 26 in, H. 106.7 cm x W. 66 cm (overall)
Credit LineTransfer from the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Gift of Albert M. Bender
Object numberB78D3
DepartmentHimalayan Art
ClassificationsPainting
On View
Not on view
More Information

The fierce female Vajrayogini appears here in sexual embrace with her consort, the Buddha Sitasamvara. Their embrace as male and female symbolizes the union of Buddhist opposites such as compassion and wisdom, or emptiness and appearance.

Sitasamvara’s hands are crossed in the gesture of highest energy (vajrahumkara), while holding two vases filled with the elixir of immortality. Vajrayogini is painted red to symbolize passion, and in her uplifted hands are two skull bowls. The intensity of her expression also reveals the ferocity of this female deity.