This painting belongs to a specific iconographic genre called host of ornaments [Tib.: "rgyan-tshogs"]. These pieces were kept by monasteries in special protector chapels [Tib.: "gong khang"] dedicated to the Dharmapalas. They represent the different offerings made to one or several of these deities during the special ceremonies designed to appease and propitiate them, particularly the fierce ones. In certain monasteries, rituals were periodically performed to renew the oath of submission of the local deities to Buddhism.
In these types of works the fierce deities the central deities are never conventionally shown. However, their attributes and attire allow us to identify them.
Here are seven different deities represented [from left to right]:
Seven skull bowls are placed in the foreground full of various gruesome offerings. The assorted musical instruments used during the ritual are arranged in the lower corners of the composition. On each side wild animals [horses, goats, yaks, elephants, tigers] are part of the offerings presented to the deities.
The upper section of the composition is decorated with severed heads and with heads in various stages of decay, which hold up an ornamental network made flayed human skins and viscera, and pearls made of bone.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Measurements: | 23.6 x 49.2" | 60 x 125 cm |
| Price: | on request |
| Shipment: | Parcel Service from Germany or Nepal |
| Color: | Color Version |
| Material: | Natural Stone Colors |