Rahula, Protector of Zogchen Teachings
Artist/maker unknown, Tibetan
Geography:
Made in Tibet, Asia
Date:
c. 19th centuryMedium:
Colors on cloth; cloth mountingsDimensions:
Image: 25 x 18 inches (63.5 x 45.7 cm) Mount: 36 1/2 x 22 inches (92.7 x 55.9 cm) Frame: 45 1/4 x 28 1/4 x 2 5/8 inches (114.9 x 71.8 x 6.7 cm)Curatorial Department:
South Asian ArtObject Location:
1961-177-2Credit Line:
Gift of Natacha Rambova, 1961
Made in Tibet, Asia
Date:
c. 19th centuryMedium:
Colors on cloth; cloth mountingsDimensions:
Image: 25 x 18 inches (63.5 x 45.7 cm) Mount: 36 1/2 x 22 inches (92.7 x 55.9 cm) Frame: 45 1/4 x 28 1/4 x 2 5/8 inches (114.9 x 71.8 x 6.7 cm)Curatorial Department:
South Asian ArtObject Location:
Currently not on view
Accession Number:1961-177-2Credit Line:
Gift of Natacha Rambova, 1961
Label:
This charming folklike painting portrays Rahula, the god of solar eclipses and protector of Zogchen teachings (Tibet's form of Zen or Chan Buddhism). Like other Tibetan planetary deities, Rahula can use his awesome powers to harm or benefit mankind. Mists of illness issue from his gaping mouths, yet he simultaneously aims his bow and arrow at those who break religious vows, and his snake-noose captures those who wander from the Buddhist path. The surrounding animal-headed goddesses and ferocious animals relate to ritual use of the painting to prevent calamities (epidemics, famines, and wars, for example) and cure diseases that are caused by Dud demons and Mamo demonesses (the couple in the center at the bottom).
This charming folklike painting portrays Rahula, the god of solar eclipses and protector of Zogchen teachings (Tibet's form of Zen or Chan Buddhism). Like other Tibetan planetary deities, Rahula can use his awesome powers to harm or benefit mankind. Mists of illness issue from his gaping mouths, yet he simultaneously aims his bow and arrow at those who break religious vows, and his snake-noose captures those who wander from the Buddhist path. The surrounding animal-headed goddesses and ferocious animals relate to ritual use of the painting to prevent calamities (epidemics, famines, and wars, for example) and cure diseases that are caused by Dud demons and Mamo demonesses (the couple in the center at the bottom).
