Thangka “Padmasambhava,” Tibet, 18th century

Tibetan thangka made with pigments and gold on Japanese silk canvas. The composition, of great iconographic complexity, is presided over by the figure of Padmasambhava, seated on a lotus throne in the center of his heavenly paradise. He holds his characteristic tantric attributes: the vajra, the kapala, and the khatvanga. Around him is arranged hierarchically a complete pantheon of lamas, deities, and disciples, forming a sacred assembly. To his left, in red, is the Buddha of the West, Amitabha, and to his right, Green Tara, protector against dangers. The painting is framed in its original traditional brocade silk frame and covered with its protective veil. Tibet, 18th century or later.

Dimensions: 71.5 cm x 54 cm, Dimensions with frame: 133 x 82.5 cm

Provenance:

· Private collection of Indologist Dr. Wolfgang Schumann.

· Acquired at VAN HAM Art Auctions, Lot 114, June 2015 (with accompanying documentation).

· Current Dutch private collection.