Description

Antique Tibetan Buddhist tsakli miniature painting, considered to be an important visual aid for monks in training when conferring empowerments. This tsakli painting depicts an alternate form of the fierce deity Mahakala, in which his skin is red and he embraces his consort in a yabyum sutra. Around Red Mahakala’s waist is a tiger’s pelt and elephant skin is draped over his shoulders. In the four corners of the painting are four dancing Dakinis, female deities of meditation and the bardo, or intermediate state after death and before rebirth. The Dakinis hold various ritualistic implements such as a kartika or flaying knife, a two prong vajra, and a kapala or skull cup. Painted on cloth in red, blue, yellow, and green pigments, the reverse side with Sanskrit writing to identify the painted figure.

18th century

Dimensions: 4 1/2″ x 3 3/4″