The protective deity Tsangpa Karpo is portrayed with a white body, a large head and three eyes, and rides a white horse. Wearing silk brocade robes and a golden chest mirror, he is adorned with a five-jewel crown, a red turban and a conch protruding from his topknot. His right hand brandishes a vajra-handled sword whilst his left wields a battle lance. A snare is gripped with his left fingers and lassoes an enemy of the dharma, and in the crook of his left arm is a jewel-spitting mongoose. At his side is a quiver of arrows and a bow. A white bird flies above his head; below is a robed figure wearing a red hat and holding a club, accompanied by a red-collared dog and a monkey This small painting is imbued with energy and movement by the artist’s skilful depiction of the flowing robes and tongues of flame. It is surrounded by a silver frame ornamented in gold with auspicious Buddhist emblems.
