Supported by The Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation
RU / EN
Supported by The Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation

Nicholas Konstantinovich Roerich

Main name
Саракха - благая стрела. Набросок к картине
1920–1930
pencil on paper
13×18.6 cm
Series
25739 КП
5491 II
Location of the works
The State Museum of Oriental Art

In the “The Banners of the East” series, Nikolay Roerich embodied the legends of the East, narrating about the outstanding devotees of the spirit. The works of this series were created in the course of the first Central Asian expedition. In April 1925, the Roerichs arrived in Gulmarg (Kashmir) and stayed there until the beginning of August. In mountainous Gulmarg, filled with the smell of pine trees and fresh snow, the artist created a number of paintings, including the sketch “Sarakha – the Arrow of Good” to the painting of the same name. Sarakha, or archer in Sanskrit, was one of the outstanding Buddhist teachers, among whose disciples was the great Nagarjuna. It is believed that he visited this place where, according to legend, the kingdom of Uddiyyana flourished. Sarakha Introduces the Mahamudra (The Great Seal) Teachings, Crowning all contemplative and religious practices. N. Roerich depicted Sarakha in the canonical position and incarnation, sitting among the pines, behind we recognize the ridges of Pir Panjal. The Arrow of Good is the one that does not hesitate in good orders to help those afflicted.