ETHAS 048125

Tibet thangka Kurukullâ

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048125
The protector Kurukullā
Tibet
19th century
Painting on cotton, brocade
Acquired in 1991
Kurukullā (tib. Rig.byed.ma) is the goddess of mystic love, but she is also invoked by lovers. She is shown here in her “Uddīyāna-Vinirgata” form surrounded by various protectors.

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Tibetan Buddhist iconography

Buddhism spread to the Roof of the World in the 7th century and Tibetan Buddhism is deeply Tantric. As in Japan, its iconography is extremely rich and coded. It accentuates the representation of the masters and their teaching. As in the other Buddhist countries, paintings and statues are part of a consecration ritual, which incites the divinities shown in the images to come and live in them.

Bibliograpy

  • Eracle, Jean. 1993. Thanka de l'Himalaya, images de la sagesse. Genève / Ivrea : Musée d'ethnographie / Priuli & Verlucca, no 61, MEG Carl-Vogt,

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