Thirty-three Deity Vajradhatu Mandala
16th century
A mandala can be two- or three-dimensional, and represents a sacred universe or palace with walls and gateways into which a deity descends. The sanctified structure—seen in bird’s eye view—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. In 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 two embracing deities in a dancing pose.
Watercolor on cotton
Overall h.: 38 1/2 in.
Overall w.: 18 1/2 in.
Image h.: 20 in.
Image w.: 17 in.
Diam.: 15 1/2 in.
Margaret E. Fuller Purchase Fund
64.16
Provenance: [William H. Wolff, Inc., New York]; purchased from gallery by Seattle Art Museum (Margaret E. Fuller Purchase Fund), 1964