Saptadashashirshi Shri Devi

Historical period(s)
15th century
Medium
Gilt-copper alloy, color, and semi-precious stones
Dimensions
H x W x D: 57.2 x 57.5 x 14.5 cm (22 1/2 x 22 5/8 x 5 11/16 in)
Geography
Central Tibet, Densatil Monastery
Credit Line
Purchase -- funds provided by the Friends of Asian Arts in honor of the 10th Anniversary of the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
Collection
Arthur M. Sackler Collection
Accession Number
S1997.27
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Sculpture
Type

Relief

Keywords
Buddhism, donkey, Lhamo, lion, makara, mongoose, skull, snake, sword, Tibet
Provenance
Provenance research underway.
Label

Lhamo, the protective deity of Lhasa, the capital of the erstwhile kingdom of Tibet, is one of a potent group of eight protectors of the Buddhist faith. She is also the patron deity of the Dalai Lama and all followers of the Gelukpa, or Yellow Hat, sect.
The sculpture captures the vivacity and ferocity of Lhamo, whose three eyes are said to flash like lightning and whose eyebrows blaze like fire. Seated astride her wild donkey mount, she brandishes her sword over the heads of enemies. Surrounding her are nineteen attendant deities riding a variety of bird and animal mounts.  This gilt-copper plaque was originally part of the decoration of the base of a funerary stupa at the renowned Densatil monastery in central Tibet.

Published References
  • Golden Visions of Densatil: A Tibetan Buddhist Monastery. Exh. cat. New York. .
  • Pilgrimage and Buddhist Art. Exh. cat. New York/New Haven. cat. 14, pp. 58-59.
  • Thomas Lawton, Thomas W. Lentz. Beyond the Legacy: Anniversary Acquisitions for the Freer Gallery of Art and the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery. vol. 1 Washington, 1998. pp. 170-171.
  • Vidya Dehejia, Thomas Coburn. Devi: The Great Goddess: Female Divinity in South Asian Art. Exh. cat. Washington, 1999. cat. 22, pp. 250-251.
Collection Area(s)
South Asian and Himalayan Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
SI Usage Statement

Usage Conditions Apply

There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.

The information presented on this website may be revised and updated at any time as ongoing research progresses or as otherwise warranted. Pending any such revisions and updates, information on this site may be incomplete or inaccurate or may contain typographical errors. Neither the Smithsonian nor its regents, officers, employees, or agents make any representations about the accuracy, reliability, completeness, or timeliness of the information on the site. Use this site and the information provided on it subject to your own judgment. The Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery welcome information that would augment or clarify the ownership history of objects in their collections.

citation | Save this image How to download an image | Request Permission | Terms of Use