Mahakala

CHINA; Yuan dynasty

Mahakala is a Dharma protector who can be recognized by his third eye on his forehead, his crown of skulls, and the image of Aksobhya above his head. He appears ferocious with his dark blue complexion, thick eyebrows, large eyes, bulbous nose, tongue sticking out, and fangs. His hands are held to his chest with a knife in the left and a skull bowl full of blood in the right, with a magic staff across his forearms. Around Mahakala’s waist is a tiger’s skin and a belt consisting of 50 heads. He is trampling on a vanquished enemy. He stands in front of a red ogee arch screen outlined with flame patterns. On the back of the screen is an inscription in Tibetan with the names of the donor and craftsman, together with the date of creation.