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The Three Protectors of Tibet
The Three Protectors of Tibet

The Three Protectors of Tibet

Artist (Nepalese, b. 1968)
Date2008
MaterialsInk and colors on cotton
DimensionsH. 17 3/4 in x W. 38 5/8 in, H. 45.1 cm x W. 98.1 cm (image); H. 36 3/4 in x W. 43 1/2 in, H. 93.3 cm x W. 110.5 cm (overall)

Credit LineAcquisition made possible by the Tibetan Study Group
Object number2016.305
DepartmentHimalayan Art
ClassificationsPainting
On View
Not on view
More Information
Three bodhisattvas attain great prominence in the Perfection of Wisdom literature, which focuses on the idea that all apparent objects are actually empty of material substance; this philosophy defines the Second Revolution of the Buddhist Wheel. Left to right, they are yellow Manjushri wielding his flaming sword of wisdom, white Avalokiteshvara with his top right arm holding the lotus of compassion, and blue Vajrapani holding aloft the golden thunderbolt (vajra) of power. The Three Protectors of Tibet was the last major work created by Tsherin Sherpa in the traditional mode of his early training. Two of his contemporary paintings appear elsewhere in this exhibition.
Subject
  • bodhisattva
  • Manjushri
  • Avalokiteshvara
  • Vajrapani