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Vajrapani and Garuda
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The painting depicts the Buddhist protector who holds (<em>pani</em>) the thunder bolt (<em>vajra</em>) in his right hand. He kneels in reverence and holds his left hand in a gesture of salute. This unusual image appears to have been the vision of a Tibetan monastic patriarch known for creating his own inventive paintings and sculptures. <br><br>Sewn to the painting are Chinese damask borders and rare embroideries dating to the Chinese Yuan dynasty (1279–1368). They depict man-eagle figures known as Garuda, a form occasionally assumed by Vajrapani.
| Artist / Maker | Anonymous, the Tenth Black Hat Karmapa |
|---|---|
| Date | painting c. 1650; top and bottom borders c. 1350 |
| Culture / Origin | China and Tibet, Embroidery: China, Yuan dynasty (1279–1368); painting: Tibet |
| Medium | Painting: gum tempera, gold, and silver on silk; lateral borders: silk damask with needleloop embroidery; top and bottom panels: embroidered silk, lead, and silver paper; curtain: silk tabby; dowels: wood, rawhide, and leather |
| Dimensions | Overall: 114.6 x 44.5 cm (45 1/8 x 17 1/2 in.) |
| Department | Textiles |
| Type | Embroidery |
About the Artist
Choying Dorje, the Tenth Black Hat Karmapa (Tibetan, 1604–1674) Full biography →
Provenance & Source
Image & data: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0 / Public Domain.
Condition
A detailed condition report and high-resolution photography are available from our specialists in advance of the sale.
Shipping & Collection
Fine-art shipping with climate control and full insurance to over 120 countries; collection by appointment.
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