Presentation of Offerings, from a Set of Initiation Cards (Tsakali)
14th/15th century
Medium
Ink and watercolor on paper
Dimensions
16 × 14.5 cm (6 1/4 × 5 3/4 in.)
Classification
ink
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
199646
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts Asia collection, *Presentation of Offerings, from a Set of Initiation CardsTsakali)* is a gem from the 14th 15th century. small-scale work, measuring just 16 × 14.5 cm, employs ink and watercolor on paper medium ideal for portable, intimate ritual objects in Tibetan Buddhist traditions. Its compact size and delicate execution made it perfect for personal use during ceremonies. Tsakali, or "initiation cards," sets used in Vajrayana Buddhism to guide disciples through tantric initiations. These cards depicted deities, mandalas, and symbolic scenes ...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...