Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts

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Vols：Painting

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Palcho Monastery Central Hall: Citipati

CHINA, Tibet, Gyantse; 15th century
This 15th century mural in the central hall features citipati depicted as two dancing skeletons. The citipati are guardians of sky burials, and their dancing symbolizes the Buddhist concept of impermanence. The two skeletons are painted symmetrically next to each other with their hands joined. They are surrounded by animals such as tigers, leopards, wolves, and vultures preying upon human flesh, representing the hell realm of Maharaurava.

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