Painted Banner (Thangka) with Guru Dragpur, a Wrathful Form of Padmasambhava
1799
unspecified
From the collection of Art Institute of Chicago
1799
unspecified
From the collection of Art Institute of Chicago
You see a tall silk banner showing a fierce blue figure with flaming hair, holding a skull cup and a dagger. He stands on a demon, surrounded by smaller gods and flames. This is Guru Dragpur, a protective form of Padmasambhava, who brought Buddhism to Tibet. The bright colors and sharp lines help monks visualize him during meditation. The silk was probably carried in rituals or hung in temples. To see more works like this, visit the Art Institute of Chicago.
