Agni, God of Fire

This banner is part of a set of works dedicated to the various deities found in the mandala of the Medicine Buddha. Agni is the ancient Indian god of fire, and in Tibetan Buddhism he is also the guardian of the southeast. The painting was executed in the same Tibetan style as that seen in China’s early Ming dynasty court ateliers, including the use of fine gold detailing in the deity’s red throne back and the cloud patterns of his blue clothing. The central composition is framed by an attractive embroidered mount decorated with the Eight Auspicious Symbols above (left to right, top to bottom: dharma wheel, white conch, victory banner, parasol, lotus, golden fish, treasure vase, and endless knot) and the Seven Treasures of the Universal Monarch below (minister, jewel, queen, wheel, elephant, general, and horse). While in the painting the central figure’s hair forms the conical shape of a royal Tibetan turbin, the minister in the embroidered border is depicted as a Chinese official, reflecting a visual language of rulership from both cultures.