Painting (Thangka) of the Holder of the Victorious White Parasol, Ushnishasitapatra

Tibet, 18th century

This beautiful painting, or Thangka, shows Ushnishasitapatra, a powerful Buddhist deity. She has a thousand heads, arms and legs, with three eyes in each face, one in the palm of each hand and one in the sole of each foot. She watches over living beings and is associated with protection and meditation. Her parasol indicates her ability to defend beings from natural catastrophes, disease etc. Beneath her feet we can see her crushing the enemies of Buddhism.

This painting is on display in our new World Cultures gallery.

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