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Tutelary Deity
    (painting no. 625)

Collection: Shelley & Donald Rubin Foundation
Origin: Tibet
Date: 1700-1799
Size: 82x57cm (32.5x22.5in)
Paint: Ground Mineral Pigment, Fine Gold Line
Ground Material: Cotton
Lineage: Geluk


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Guhyasamaja (Secret Assembly) Akshobhyavajra in consort is seated central surrounded by the thirty-two deities of the mandala. The deity has three faces and six hands, is blue-black in colour peaceful with a slightly fierce expression seated in vajra posture.

Guhyasamaja has two main traditions, the Arya (Nagarjuna) Lineage and the Jnana (Jnanapada) Lineage. The subject of this painting is the Arya Lineage. Of the three types of Anuttarayoga Tantra this is the chief of the 'Method' (Father) class. Ascending above the central deity are an unidentified Gelugpa Lama, Je Tsongkhapa and Vajradhara. At the top center are several lamas and mahasiddhas. At the bottom center is Sadbhuja Mahakala.

Jeff Watt 4-98


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Photographed Image Copyright © 1999 Shelley & Donald Rubin Foundation

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Copyright © 1998 Shelley and Donald Rubin Foundation, Shelley and Donald Rubin