Padmasambhava

CHINA; Qing dynasty

In this 18th century woodblock print, Padmasambhava sits at ease on a large lotus flower that rises from a pond. Knitted brows and narrowed eyes give him an intense expression. He wears a headdress topped with a peacock plume and a monastic robe that falls in flowing folds around his body. A tantric staff is tucked in the crook of his left arm. His right hand grasps a vajra, and his left hand holds a skull cup. The plain nimbus and aureole are contained within a mandorla filled with floral patterns. Padmasambhava is flanked by Yeshe Tsogyal and Mandarava. Amitabha Buddha and Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva are depicted in the center of the upper register. Lamas, Dharma protectors, and manifestations of Padmasambhava surround the central figure.