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Vaishravana and Vasudhara
Nepalese
17th century?
Object Place: Tibet or Nepal
Medium/Technique
Distemper opaque watercolor and gold on cotton
Dimensions
10.3 x 16.2 cm (4 1/16 x 6 3/8 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Edward W. Forbes
Accession Number07.294
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAsia
ClassificationsPaintings
DescriptionImage depicts two deities: Vaishravana, god of wealth and guardian of the North, seated on a lion and holding a banner in his right hand and Vasudhara, his consort, a yellow female wearing a blue skirt. The concept of the four guardian kings was popular in all areas where esoteric buddism had spread. The drawing is Tibetan, while the cotton on which the images are painted is Nepalese.
InscriptionsOn reverse, in Tibetan, three times behind each figure: "Om, Ah, Hum." Also, brief inscription (transliterated in notes), probably a mantra of the deity.
ProvenanceGiven to the mfa by Edward W. Forbes in 1907