A THANGKA DEPICTING VAJRA PANJARA MAHAKALA Tibet, Circa 15th Century

the protector deity with wrathful expression and flaming beard and moustache, a writhing snake in the hair with a vajra finial above, wearing white bone jewellery and a golden crown and ornaments, a snake necklace entwined on itself between the feet, a tiger skin around the waist, holding the kartrika and kapala before his chest, a gandi staff with golden ratna finials resting in the crooks of his arms and a scarf billowing at either side, standing with bended knees on a black demon recumbent on an elaborate lotus pedestal, a torana of fire behind with black animals and ravens amongst the flames, Vajradhara and Heruka Hevajra above, Ekajati and Shri Devi below, all framed by a red scrollwork border

Himalayan Art Resources item no. 18329.
20 by 18 in. (51 by 46 cm)