Lords of the Cemetery
Artist
Mongolian (Mongolian)Date
19th centuryMedium
Pigments and gold on sized clothDimensions
Work : 4 3/4 x 4 in. (12.07 x 10.16 cm)Credit Line
Hope College CollectionObject Number
2019.7.6Label
Legend says that the Lords of the Cemetery began their existence as two ascetics who went to a cemetery to meditate on death. While in the cemetery, they encountered a band of grave robbers who murdered them and left their bodies lying beside the desecrated graves. The spirits of the slain ascetics vowed to remain in the cemetery to protect other innocent people from the same fate, and thus the Lords of the Cemetery were born. The reverse side of this painting is inscribed with a three-syllable consecration mantra.