Mandala of Chakrasamvara and Vajravarahi in Sexual Embrace

Gallery 325, Asian Art, third floor (Imasogie Gallery)

Main Building

Mandala of Chakrasamvara and Vajravarahi in Sexual Embrace

c. 16th century

Artist/maker unknown, Nepalese

The placement of a divine couple surrounded by their court is a simple form of a mandala (schematic representation of a divine realm). The six goddesses around the couple stand on the points of a flat, six-pointed star that represents consecrated ground. The mandala's intricate details are partly obscured by a variety of ritual substances, such as the still-visible red powder, demonstrating that this sculpture was coated with offerings during many religious ceremonies.

Gallery 325, Asian Art, third floor (Imasogie Gallery)

Object Details

Title:

Mandala of Chakrasamvara and Vajravarahi in Sexual Embrace
Surrounded by a retinue of six dancing goddesses holding flayed animal skins, atop a six-pointed star

Date:

c. 16th century

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Nepalese

Medium:

Gilded copper alloy with ritual materials

Dimensions:

7 3/4 × 9 inches (19.7 × 22.9 cm)

Classification:

Sculpture

Credit Line:

Purchased with the Stella Kramrisch Fund, 2002

Accession Number:

2002-96-1

Geography:

Made in Nepal, Asia

Context:

Dynasty: Malla Dynasty (1200-1769)

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Gallery 325, Asian Art, third floor (Imasogie Gallery)

Main Building

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