Panel with divinities of the Chakrasamvara mandala
11th century
Pigments on wood
H. 13 13/16 x W. 2 7/8 in. (9.6 x 7.3 cm)
Pritzker Collection

This is one of eight wooden panels that once formed part of a mandala dedicated to the deity Chakrasamvara. A mandala is a cosmic map that is used as a guide for meditation in some traditions of Tantrism and Vajrayana Buddhism for meditation. Four of the panels portray goddesses while the other four depict couples in Tantric sexual embraces. In Vajrayana Buddhism, devotees are guided toward transformation and spiritual enlightenment through the symbolic use of sexual and wrathful energy.