The Buddhist deity Vajrabhairava
Place of OriginChina
Date1800-1900
MaterialsColors on cotton
DimensionsH. 24 in x W. 16 in, H. 61 cm x W. 40.6 cm (image); H. 45 in x W. 29 in, H. 114.3 cm x W. 73.7 cm (overall)
Credit LineTransfer from the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Gift of Katherine Ball
Object numberB72D58
DepartmentHimalayan Art
ClassificationsPainting
On View
Not on viewThe Vajrabhairava form of Yamanataka, the Conqueror of Yama, the God of Death, embraces his consort, surrounded by a halo of flames. His wrathful aspect is emphasized by his rectangular bull's face with eleven heads, his threatening horns, thirty-two hands holding various weapons, and sixteen feet trampling on bird, animals, and deities. Vajrbhairava is the ferocious emanation of Manjushri, whose image appears on the center, top row. Flanking Manjushri are a Mahasiddha (left), and Tsong-kha-pa, Founder of the Gelug sect (right). Three different forms of Yama appear below.
1700-1800
approx. 1700-1800
1900-1930
1700-1800
approx. 1700-1800
1800-1900
1700-1800
1700-1800
1700-1800