 |
Illustrated Manuscript of the Prajnaparamita Sutra - Kurukulla Dakini
|
| |
|
Illustrated Manuscript of the Prajnaparamita Sutra - Kurukulla Dakini
INDIA; circa early 12th century; Color on palm leaf; H: 2 cm; Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA
This image is part of an illustrated palm leaf manuscript of the Prajnaparamita Sutra from the Pala period (circa 8th-12th century). The dakini has three eyes and four arms. She stands within a golden niche and is surrounded by a flaming mandorla. Jewelry and ornaments depicted with white dots stand out against her red body. Her golden hair stands up straight above a headdress. A tiger skin is draped around her waist. The four hands hold a bow, arrows, a hook, and a noose. The dakini stands in a dancing pose, with her right leg raised and her left foot standing upon a demon, symbolizing the overcoming of defilements. Green plants are painted above the niche. The rectangular border of the image is decorated with beads and squares. |
