Minneapolis Institute of Art

Pehar (Worldly Protector Deity)

Tibet

Date

late 17th century

Medium

Mineral colors and gold on sized cotton

Department

Asian Art

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

Protective deities are represented in visually and symbolically complex artworks, such as this scroll painting. Within a fantastic landscape of deities and spirits, Pehar valiantly gallops, holding a vajra (lightning bolt representing enlightenment) and a skull cup (representing the conquest of ignorance) in his quest to protect the Buddhist faith. The black background symbolizes hate, which, through wisdom and compassion, is transformed into luminous deities of enlightened bliss. Tibet, Asia

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