Description
About this work.
Zaki Lhamo is the female worldly protector venerated at Zaki Temple in Lhasa, popularly associated with wealth in contemporary local devotion. Local traditions tell different stories of her origins, including a legend of her journey from central China to Lhasa and her becoming a protector.
Traditional context and devotional practice
In local devotional practice, people bring prayers for prosperity in business, an abundant livelihood and protection. Her distinct female presence gives this subject a particularly personal, forceful character.
This painting
Titled “Past and Present,” this work layers a human face with a three-eyed wrathful mask against a gold ground. Fine surrounding linework reinforces the contrast between a gentle face and a fierce outer appearance, giving Zaki Lhamo a distinctive narrative treatment.
