Ladakh, 16th c., Drikung Kagyu-pa school
85,5 x 63,2 cm
Vajradhara is richly endowed with silken garments, jewels and attributes, all related to his qualities of awakened consciousness. His sixfold jewelry symbolizes the Six Virtues (paramitas) of a world ruler (cakravartin): rings on arms and legs - devotion, belt - morality, ear jewelry - patience, necklace - strength, crown - immersion, ash and brahma string - insight (prajna). The fivefold crown symbolizes that Vajradhara has the five Tathagata wisdoms: The Mirror-like Wisdom, in which all opposites prove to be illusion; tempera and gold on cotton fabric; numerous names in Tibetan script in the red border. The identities should be rechecked, as the inscriptions were rendered in abbreviations, and therefore possibly misunderstood.
Old Bavarian private collection, mostly acquired at Schoettle Ostasiatica, before 1990
Minor age damage due to water, wear and minor rest.
