Mahakala/Bhairava with Buddhas, Ganesha, Karttikeya, Achala, and Devotees

Currently not on view

Mahakala/Bhairava with Buddhas, Ganesha, Karttikeya, Achala, and Devotees

Late 16th century

Artist/maker unknown, Nepalese

Newar religious practice employs a unique mix of Buddhist and Hindu elements. The five transcendental buddhas at the top of this painting and Achala (the blue-skinned Buddhist protector at the bottom center) are joined by deities more often affiliated with Hinduism. These include the elephant-headed Ganesha and dancing Karttikeya, who flank their father, Shiva, in his form as Mahakala/Bhairava. Another important feature of Newar art and practice is the depiction and participation of both men and women devotees. In the lower two registers seventeen men (in white-and-red-striped outfits) and seven women (in Malla period red skirts with white-and-blue stripes) offer flowers. Also typical of the Malla period are the shapes of Mahakala's triangular eyebrows, his neatly trimmed moustache and beard, and his round, full eyes.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Mahakala/Bhairava with Buddhas, Ganesha, Karttikeya, Achala, and Devotees
Hanging scroll painting (paubha)

Date:

Late 16th century

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Nepalese

Medium:

Colors on cloth

Dimensions:

Image: 19 1/2 × 16 1/4 inches (49.5 × 41.3 cm) Frame: 27 1/8 × 23 3/4 × 2 3/16 inches (68.9 × 60.3 × 5.6 cm)

Classification:

Paintings

Credit Line:

Gift of Stella Kramrisch, 1963

Accession Number:

1963-141-1

Geography:

Made in Nepal, Asia

Context:

Dynasty: Malla Dynasty (1200-1769)

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Currently not on view