Why are fierce figures found inside the tranquil space of a shrine room? Flaming hair, skull crowns, bared fangs, and bulging eyes may look frightening. But in Tibetan Buddhism, wrathful deities can represent wisdom, compassion, protection, and the power to remove obstacles. In the Rubin Museum Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room at the Brooklyn Museum (brooklynmuseum), these powerful forms appear throughout the space as guardians and protectors. The more fearsome their appearance, the greater their power. 🔗 Read more in Spiral (link in bio) 📍 See them in person at the Brooklyn Museum #HimalayanArt #BuddhistArt #ArtExplained Installation photography by Dave de Armas ________ 1. Vajrabhairava; Mongolia; ca. 19th century; Clay with pigments; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art; C2006.52.8 2. Hayagriva with consort; Mongolia; late 18th - early 19th century; Gilt copper alloy; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art; C2005.12.2 3. Wrathful Shrine Doors; Kham Region, Eastern Tibet; ca.19th century; Wood, ...