Vajrasattva and Consort

CHINA, Tibet

The blue Vajrasattva sits in full lotus position on a lotus throne in the center of this Central Tibetan thangka. He wears large earrings, several necklaces, and a golden crown. A petal shaped nimbus surrounds the head. The right hand holds a small vajra, and the left is wrapped around the slim waist of his wisdom consort. The full-chested consort also wears a crown, earrings, and necklaces. She drapes her right arm around Vajrasattva’s neck. Two Bodhisattvas stand in tribhanga posture beside the central figures. In each of the upper corners, three more Bodhisattvas sit and form mudras.
The facial features of all of the figures, as well as their red palms and feet, reflect the influence of Pala period (circa 8th–12th century) art. Traditionally, thangkas depicting a central figure with their consort portray the two locked in an intimate embrace. This thangka chooses to show them seated side by side, another aspect of the Pala style.