Lot 54A
Sino-Tibetan, ca. early 19th century CE. This example features a painting of a mandala in hues of red, blue, green, gold, black, and beige mounted in a custom frame. In the center of the mandala is a multi-headed wrathful deity set within a fiery aureole. Eastern religions such as Buddhism, that believe in the reincarnation of the soul into a new body on this Earth, often depict their deities with many heads and many arms. Above the roundel of the mandala are five seated lamas or Tibetan Buddhist teachers. Below are several underworld deities surrounded by fiery aureoles. Thangka paintings such as this require immense skill. To sketch the figures in a thangka the painter needs an exact knowledge of the measurements and proportions of each deity as established by Buddhist iconography and artistic practice. An awe-inspiring example! Professionally framed in a custom double frame with a linen mat. Size: 33-1/4" x 26 3/4" in frame; Thangka alone measures 23" x 16-1/2".
The Tibetan word THANG KA literally translates as 'recorded message'. Indeed thangkas have traditionally been created to communicate a message to the Buddhist practitioner, serving as an aid to teaching and as an aid to meditation through the visualization of the deity. It is a medium through which Buddhist philosophy can be explained. Originally lamas and monks used scroll paintings to instruct the Buddhist Dharma (teachings). These paintings were easily transported and unrolled which was ideal for this primarily nomadic population. On a more spiritual level, Thangka paintings are the visual expression of the fully awakened state of enlightenment, this being the ultimate goal of the Buddhist spiritual path. It is for this reason that a thangka is sometimes called 'the roadmap to enlightenment'. Provenance: Ex-private Burns collection, Longmont, CO, acquired in the 1950s-1960s. Mr. Burns is an accomplished mountain climber who scaled many of the highest peaks across the globe. All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. #102074
- Condition: Shows some minor creasing and surface wear to painting. Aged patina. Minor wear to frame.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 22% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $25,000 |