Dorje Lekpa as the blacksmith Garwa Nakpo
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Orientation 2
Wall object 2

ABP 064

 Code: ABP 064

  Country: Tibet

  Style:

  Date: 1600 - 1700

  Dimensions in cm WxHxD: 23 x 47.5

  Materials: Gouache on black canvas

Dorjé Lekpa as the dark blacksmith Garwa Nakpo

Riding a black goat amidst swirling dark clouds and blazing fire is the protector Dorjé Lekpa under his aspect of Garwa Nakpo, “the dark blacksmith.” Of dark complexion and fierce appearance, he wears a long, black robe and a broad hat. He brandishes a vajra hammer with his right hand and a bellows made of tiger skin with his left. He is accompanied by other protective deities placed beneath him. Dorjé Lekpa belongs to the group of worldly protectors subdued and oath-bounded by Padmasambhava when he established Buddhism in Tibet. He is especially worshipped by Nyingma, Karma Kagyü and even Geluk masters.

A black-hat Karmapa and Padmasambhava as an Indian pandita are depicted in the upper right and left comers. At the centre stands wrathful Vajrapani, bodhisattva of enlightened strength. This painting belongs to the dark ground thangka, a style especially used to represent wrathful deities and protectors.

(Formerly Collection Heidi & Ulrich von Schroeder ; 2011-10)