Buddhist Ritual Instruction Card (Tsakali) c. 13th century

This 13th century Buddhist Ritual Instruction Card (Tsakali), depicts a green, fierce-looking deity riding a horse. The deity, likely a wrathful Buddha, is adorned with jewelry and a crown. The card is notable for its small size, measuring just 4 1/16 x 3 1/8 in. (10.3 x 7.9 cm), which would have made it easily portable for ritual use. Tsakali were used in the practice of Tibetan Buddhism, and this example is a testament to the rich artistic tradition of this region.