Seven fine Mongolian drawings on paper, early 20th century, [7], depicting Buddha & other peaceful deities, Tsakali cards were used by travelling Buddhist teachers moving from one monastery to another in order to teach & initiate others in Vajrayana Buddhist teachings. When laid on the ground in the form of a mandala, they functioned to create a fixed sacred space like that of a temple. The deities shown on these initiation cards can include the Tathagata Buddha's, various bodhisattvas, fierce protectors, & the possible realms of rebirth. Provenance: Todd Barlin collection. 13 x 12 cm, 11 cm, 9 cm