Vajrabhairava Yamantaka
Anonymous; Tibetan
George Roos, courtesy of the Shelley and Donald Rubin Foundation
Object Label
This thangka, or painting on cloth, shows the multi-headed, multi-limbed, buffalo-horned god Vajrabhairava stomping on his enemies. Barely visible against him is his similarly fierce (and blue) female partner, Vajravetali. Vajrabhairava is one of Buddhism’s most intimidating deities. His worship is only for advanced practitioners. His alternate name, Yamantaka (Conqueror of Death), celebrates his role in combatting both the fear of mortality and mortality itself.
Caption
Anonymous; Tibetan. Vajrabhairava Yamantaka, 19th century. Color on cloth, Image: 33 x 21 1/2 in. (83.8 x 54.6 cm) Frame: 59 1/8 x 35 1/2 in. (150.2 x 90.2 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Wiesenberger, 69.164.9. (Photo: George Roos, courtesy of the Shelley and Donald Rubin Foundation)
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Frequent Art Questions
If blue has a special meaning, does that mean other colors like green do too?
Yes, absolutely! Many colors used in Tibetan painting, especially those associated with deities, have a symbolic meaning. In written descriptions, the color of a deity is always mentioned as part of their appearance. Green, for instance, is the color of action.Can you tell me more about the use of the color blue in this painting?
Blue-black is the color of wrath in Tibetan Buddhism, but wrath isn't a negative quality in the tradition. Rather, deities like Vajrabhairava here are known to be incredibly compassionate.Very cool! Thank you for the excellent info!
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