Potala Palace: Marici

CHINA, Tibet, Lhasa

The figure is presented in the form of a heavenly being riding a pig as described in the Marici Sutra. This partly colored and gilded image has three faces, each with an additional third eye, and eight arms. Marici wears trefoil crowns about a high central usnisa. The main face appears compassionate and tranquil while the one on the left is ferocious. The figure’s shoulders and arms are draped with stoles that drape around the arms to fall to the lotus saddle. The two principal hands at the front lift an upright vajra and an asoka tree branch, while the remaining arms brandish instruments such as the bow, arrow, rope, and elephant goad. The figure is seated in full lotus position on a multi-layered lotus throne supported by an ornately caparisoned pig that bears its fangs.