Six-Armed Mahakala
Artist
Mongolian (Mongolian)Date
19th centuryMedium
Ink, pigments, gilding on sized cloth with silver frameDimensions
Image : 2 1/2 x 2 1/8 in. (6.35 x 5.4 cm)Frame : 3 x 2 1/4 x 1/2 in. (7.62 x 5.72 x 1.27 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of David Kamansky and Gerald WheatonObject Number
2016.22.3.1.A-CLabel
This image of Mahakala is highly animated and was painted using subtly modulated shading techniques that effectively convey a sense of three-dimensional volume. Small paintings of Mahakala like these were traditionally used by Mongolian Buddhist monks and lay believers as talismans for protection, and as focal points for meditation and visualization exercises.