Vajradhara and Consort

NEPAL

This thangka was painted on a piece of canvas during the late 15th century. It features Vajradhara and his consort sitting side by side within an ornate arch. The blue Vajradhara wears a splendid golden crown and ornaments. Sitting in full lotus position on a lotus throne, Vajradhara forms the vajrahumkara (embracing wisdom) mudra. His consort also wears a dazzling crown and jewelry and sits in full lotus position on a lotus throne. She holds a long-stemmed lotus in both of her red-palmed hands. The arch above the two figures is composed of two columns topped by makaras and a lintel of gold scrolling patterns with a garuda at the top.
Seven seated Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are painted in a row at the top of the picture. Other deities with red mandorlas are arranged around the central figures. The many small figures in the lower register are thought to be the sponsors of the thangka. The dominant colors are red and blue, typical of Nepalese Buddhist art.