Thangka "Vaisravana" ("Kubera" ou "Nam Tho Se"), 18e / 19e siècle

Description

mineral pigments and gold / paper, silk brocade, wooden stick, silk taffeta, riding on a white snow lion, holding a (victory) banner and a mongoose spitting jewels picked up from a vessel in the lower center of the picture; min. damage due to age, colors of brocade slightly faded, slightly stained

The mongoose is the enemy of the snake (symbol of greed) and represents the victory of “Vaisravana” over the “nagas” (snakes), the guardians of treasures.

The depicted Hindu deity “Vaisravana” or “Kubera”, called in Tibetan Buddhism “Nam Tho Se” (also “Bishamon” or “Jambhala”), is one of the Four Heavenly Kings and is considered regent of the North, king and protector of the world as well as the lord of wealth.