Vaishravana, Lord of Wealth

Currently not on view

Vaishravana, Lord of Wealth

Late 16th - 17th century

Artist/maker unknown, Tibetan

This is the only example in the Museum's collection of a ser thang or "golden painting," a format popular among wealthy Tibetans since the fifteenth century. The paint is pure gold suspended in glue. A sign of conspicuous consumption due to the great expense of covering the entire work in gold, this type of painting-especially one so large-is quite uncommon. The painting's theme also revolves around affluence. The central deity, Vaishravana, Lord of Wealth, is surrounded by divine and terrestrial attendants. To ensure continued prosperity, groups of monks and layfolk-representing numerous cultures along rich trade routes-offer Vaishravana luxurious textiles, sacred texts, musical instruments, gemstones, and exotic fruits.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Vaishravana, Lord of Wealth

Date:

Late 16th - 17th century

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Tibetan

Medium:

Gold ground with opaque watercolor on cotton

Dimensions:

44 1/2 × 28 7/8 inches (113 × 73.3 cm) Mount: 59 1/4 × 39 3/4 inches (150.5 × 101 cm) Frame: 60 1/4 × 41 1/2 × 2 3/4 inches (153 × 105.4 × 7 cm)

Classification:

Paintings

Credit Line:

125th Anniversary Acquisition. Gift of John and Berthe Ford, 2006

Accession Number:

2006-5-1

Geography:

Made in Tibet, Asia

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Currently not on view