Mandala of Chakrasamvara and Vajravarahi
Unknown Artist
late 1400s
Medium
Gum tempera on cloth
Dimensions
40.6 × 35.6 cm
Classification
Painting
Department
Indian and Southeast Asian Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
James Parmelee Fund
Accession Number
1960.211
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
A mandala is a two-dimensional diagram of a palace-like structure, viewed from above. This mandala depicts the abode of a 4-headed, 12-armed figure who personifies a major tantric Buddhist text, the Chakrasamvara-tantra. He dances in the bliss of sexual union with his consort, the red Vajravarahi, in the central circle, which is equivalent to the penthouse of their palace. Through guided meditation, practitioners can visualize entering through each of the four gates to experience the beauty of t...