TIBET, XIIIEME SIECLE

This important early painting portrays Vajravarahi or the ‘Diamond Sow’ in a striking double triangle situated within a band of lotus petals and flames, forming the outer border of her mandala. Her blue painted sow-head that emerges from the right side of her head is associated with overcoming ignorance. This is accentuated by her dancing posture where she tramples on a figure which represents again her triumph over ignorance. With her right hand she brandishes the ritual chopper while her left holds the skull cup. A ceremonial staff is placed against her shoulder. Surrounding her, both within and outside the six-pointed star, are her assistants. The four corners see the cremation grounds separated by eight rivers. Interestingly, the official eight grounds are here not executed according to prescribed iconographic texts but show a free interpretation as just four of them are represented.
The lower register depicts five deities with their consorts in sexual union. According to Gilles Béguin they most likely present Samvara and his consort Vajravarahi. The author discusses this painting in length in his publication on page 172. A seated monk in front of an offering-set occupies its lower right corner. The upper register depicts various historical figures linked to bKa brgyud pa order, headed by the blue Adi Buddha Vajradhara. These are from left to right Tilopa (ca. 988 - ca. 1069), Naropa (ca. 956 - ca. 1040), Marpa (1012 - 1096), Milarepa (1040 - 1123), sGam po pa (1079 - 1153), Phag mo gru pa (1110 - 1170) and most likely Thang pa Chen po (1142 - 1210), who founded the Taklung monastery in 1180.