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The Buddhist deity Chakrasamvara

1800-1900

Asian Art Museum

Asian Art Museum
San Francisco, United States

The figure at the center of mandala is often a fierce deity visualized in meditations. Here, the central deity is Chakrasamvara, who appears in sexual union with his partner. Together, they symbolize the union of opposites that occurs in advanced states of concentration.
The imagery in this painting is so powerful that it is said to grant enlightenment in this very life. Yet it is also dangerous to the unprepared. Accordingly, a layer of eerie pink cemetery grounds serve to seal this meditation and its potentially disturbing imagery from the outside world.

Details

  • Title: The Buddhist deity Chakrasamvara
  • Date Created: 1800-1900
  • Location Created: Tibet
  • Physical Dimensions: H. 26 5/8 in x W. 18 1/8 in, H. 67.6 cm x W. 46 cm (image); H. 45 3/4 in x W. 26 3/4 in, H. 116 cm x W. 68 cm (overall)
  • Rights: Public Domain
  • Medium: Colors on cotton
  • Credit Line: Asian Art Museum, Transfer from the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Gift of Katherine Ball, B72D52

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