Tibetan "Wheel of Life" Woodblock Print on Paper
Item Details
A Tibetan woodblock print on paper depicting the Wheel of Life, known as Bhavacakra in Sanskrit. The print depicts the saṃsāra, the Buddhist cycle of reincarnation and transmigration. At the center of the wheel are a snake, a boar, and a cock. These three animals represent the three cardinal sins: anger, ignorance, and lust, respectively. In the next circle, the right half signifies the downward path, while the left half the upward path. The next circle, divided into six areas represents the Conditions of Existence. The outermost circle is divided in twelve and depicts the events leading death and rebirth. The entire wheel is held in the jaws of a figure, probably Yama the Lord of Death, wearing a crown of five skulls. His ferocious visage symbolizes the futility of clinging to life and a reminder that saṃsāra is impermanent and always in flux. Unframed, the print is presented in a white mat.
Condition
- markings to the mat.
Dimensions
- measurement is for the mat. The visible art measures 19.5" W x 26.25" H.
Item #
16IND117-114
