Protective Astrological Chart
ClassificationsPaintings
Date1368-1644
Made AtTibet Autonomous Region, China, Asia
MediumGround mineral pigments on cotton
Dimensions39 1/8 × 23 1/8 × 5/8 in. (99.4 × 58.7 × 1.6 cm)
Credit LineGift of Anne and Long Shung Shih
Object number2021.8.6
DescriptionThis is a thangka, a hanging narrative textile painting that was made in Tibet to illustrate Buddhist teachings to a predominantly illiterate public. In the large halls of Buddhist monasteries and temples, multiple rows and columns of thangkas are often hung together, creating a striking scene. Simpler arrangements of one or a few thangkas might also be found hanging above the private altars of many Tibetan homes. The fading and staining on this piece indicates its age and that it saw quite a bit of use.The subject matter of this particular Thangka is that of a protective astrological chart, and it served as an educational tool and a medical divination tool, as well as an auspicious item for all those who owned or even looked upon it. The circular figure at bottom center represents a turtle laying on its back. The segmented shells of turtles were often used in divination, and they are generally associated with creation themes.
The geometric patterns at the left and right of this painting, and also within the turtle shell, represent the Eight Trigrams, or Spar-Kha, of Esoteric Buddhism. Often associated with both Tibetan and Chinese astrology and divination, each symbol represents one each of the eight elements and eight cardinal directions.
The upper portion of this painting, which is mostly lost, likely represented various deities associated with planets and stars providing the owner with protection from maladies or ill fortune. Other images represent various astrological signs and spirits.
On View
Not on viewCollections
18th to 19th Century
18th to 19th Century
1870-1949
19th to 20th Century
early 20th Century
20th Century
19th to 20th Century