Untitled [Chakraman] 2010.553

A rare tantric painting, revealing the sophistication of nineteenth-century Nepalese religious art, was the first major acquisition from the Himalayan region to enter the Gallery's Collection. Depicting the yogic figure of the 'cosmic man' marked with the six chakras or energy points, which regulate the flow of energy throughout the body, the painting reflects Hindu and Buddhist mythology and spiritual beliefs, while its aesthetic suggests the influence of nineteenth-century Rajput styles.