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Manuscript cover with three Gods of Wealth
Manuscript cover with three Gods of Wealth

Manuscript cover with three Gods of Wealth

Place of Origin
  • Mongolia
Dateapprox 1700-1900
MaterialsColors on paper
DimensionsH. 6 3/8 in x W. 19 7/8 in, H. 16.2 cm x W. 50.5 cm (image); H. 10 1/2 in x W. 23 in, H. 26.7 cm x W. 58.4 cm (overall)
Credit LineTransfer from the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Gift of Miss Katherine Ball
Object numberF2001.8
DepartmentHimalayan Art
ClassificationsBooks And Manuscripts
On View
Not on view
More Information
Manuscript covers from the Himalayas feature deities thought to be active in the ordinary, material world. Appearing frequently are worldly protectors and gods of wealth, as is the case with this paper insert from a Mongolian manuscript cover. Left to right, the deities here are Jambhala, Vaishravana, and a wealth-oriented form of the fierce blue Vajrapani; each figure holds a mongoose from whose mouth fall jewels.

The depiction of deities whose imagery is thought to cause the acquisition of wealth is deemed a spiritual endeavor, since Buddhists believe it is impossible to meditate if one is preoccupied with material survival.