Description:

Central Asia, Tibet, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A dramatic thangka made from applique silk and cotton sewn together depicting Palden Lhamo (Glorious Goddess) riding a horse- her face with bared teeth, and flared nostrils under glaring eyes - a third eye is set in his brow and a skull crown upon his flaming hair, holding a human skull with blood, and a mace. Wrathful Deities assume savage phenotypes to protect Buddhism from threatening enemies. Thangka serve as teaching tools, but also as focal points for devotion when brought out during a ritual. They also can be used for meditation, allowing the viewer to focus on the scene at hand and put away earthly distractions. Size: 40" L x 27" W (101.6 cm x 68.6 cm)

Palden Lhamo is the fierce tantric goddess of Vajrayana Buddhism; the wrathful deity generally regarded as the primary protectress of Tibet. She is the sole female among the "Eight Guardians of the Law" and is typically depicted in a deep blue color with flaming hair that signifies her wrathful state riding side-saddle on a mule as she crosses a sea of blood (note the pink waves). Notice also that the mule Palden Lhamo rides has an eye on its left rump. This is where Palden Lhamo's irate husband's arrow hit it after she killed her son (who was being raised to be the one to put an end to Buddhism) and used his skin as a saddle blanket - note his head on the mule's flank.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex- Vicky Roberts estate, Hawaii, USA

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#179991

  • Condition: Tearing and fraying to the cotton backing. Small holes to green silk framing appliques. Some peeling / loose edges of appliques. Staining and discoloration.

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July 21, 2023 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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