
by Unknown Artist, 1701
This 18th-century gilt copper figure from Tibet depicts one of the twelve Yaksha generals from the Medicine Buddha's retinue. He holds a mongoose in his left hand, the creature spitting jewels. In Buddhist mythology, the mongoose is a predator of nagas (serpent beings who guard treasures), and its jewel-spewing represents "subduing the karma of stinginess" and the dispensing of wealth. All twelve Yaksha generals carry a mongoose.
This connects to the broader cult of Jambhala (Kubera in Hinduism), the Buddhist deity of fortune and wealth who also holds a jewel-producing mongoose. In Tibetan Buddhism, wealth deities aren't about personal enrichment. They emphasize that prosperity should support generosity, dharma practice, and charitable activity. The mongoose teaches that wealth must be shared, not hoarded. The piece is at the Art Institute of Chicago.
Luxury wall art with the same mood and energy. Gallery-quality canvas, no museum crowds.
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