VCM

yantra
Yantra: 18633

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Why this is a
Masterpiece

This representation of Purushkara Yantra, accompanied by the sacred syllables, activates its special power and creates a mantra. At the same time this aspect increases its documented value making it an exceptional piece. Other examples of this type are known outside of India.

History of the Object: Paintings of this kind were placed inside temples representing Purushkara Yantra, a masculine cosmic figure in whose clothes appear different levels of existence. The ascendants are the superior states and the descendants are the inferior experiences. Their use emerged within the Hindu yogi movement, and from there it was passed on to Buddhism. The image is surrounded by Sanskrit syllables.

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Type: Painting
Materials: gouache (opaque watercolor paint)/silk
Measurements: Width 93 cm. Height 139 cm.
Creator name: Unknown
Creator date: Unknown
Where it was made: India; Rajasthan
Geography: India
Time period: AD 18th century ~ AD 18th century
Creation date: 18th Century
Function: This type of illustration is used both in Hinduism and Buddhism to help one impose an eye and mental discipline in a way that helps to focus the unidirectional thought essential for meditation.
Acquisition: It was acquired by the museum in 2004 in the auction room of Segre in Madrid. The museum proposed the acquisition of this object because it was a high quality painting that represented an aspect not yet addressed by the museum’s collections. It was perfectly integrated into the permanent display dedicated to Asian beliefs.
Copyright: Museo Nacional de Antropología. Ministerio de Cultura.
Acknowledgements
Owner: Museo Nacional de Antropología. Ministerio de Cultura.
Museum: National Museum of Anthropology
Credit line