Images(3)

Thirty-three Deity Vajradhatu Mandala

Date16th century

Label TextA mandala can be two- or three-dimensional and represents the sacred cosmic abode of a deity. The sanctified structure—seen from above—is square, with portals at the four cardinal directions. Three circles surround this mandala, the middle ring representing the eight death grounds that symbolize elements of consciousness that are obstacles to enlightenment. During meditation, a person would visualize, in three-dimensional space, crossing these rings and entering the gates in a progression towards the center. Here, three enclosure walls frame the central circle, with eight figures on the perimeter surrounding a deity (with three heads and six arms and wearing a crown of skulls) embracing his consort.

Object number64.16

Provenance[William H. Wolff, Inc., New York]; purchased from gallery by Seattle Art Museum, 1964

Photo CreditPhoto: Scott Leen

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, Luminous: The Art of Asia, October 13, 2011 - January 8, 2012. Portland, Oregon, Portland Art Museum, Gift to a City: Masterworks from the Eugene Fuller Memorial Collection in the Seattle Art Museum, November 3 - 28, 1965.Published ReferencesGift to a city : masterworks from the Eugene Fuller Memorial Collection in the Seattle Art Museum, exh. cat. Portland, OR: Portland Art Museum, 1965; cat. no. 99.

Credit LineMargaret E. Fuller Purchase Fund

DimensionsOverall h.: 38 1/2 in. Overall w.: 18 1/2 in. Image h.: 20 in. Image w.: 17 in. Diam.: 15 1/2 in.

MediumWatercolor on cotton