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A thangka of Tsongkhapa emanating from Maitreya Central Tibet, 19th century
Sold for US$2,750 inc. premium
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A thangka of Tsongkhapa emanating from Maitreya
Distemper on cloth, remounted within a brocade border, framed and glazed.
18 1/4in (46.5cm) visible height of image
28 1/4in (71.7cm) total height of frame
Footnotes
At the center of this thangka, the founding triad of the Gelugpa School manifests from the heart of Maitreya upon a billowing cloud. The order's founder, Tsongkhapa, sits enthroned, joined by his successors as Ganden Tripa (the spiritual leader of the Gelugpas) Gyeltsab Darma Rinchen (1364-1432), and Khedrup Geleg Palzang
(1385-1438).
The wisdom-sword and texts that blossom by his shoulders are attributes of Manjushri, with whom Tsongkhapa is associated. In visual allegory, they arise from Tsongkhapa's hands as he displays the gesture of advancing the dharma. Above him, Maitreya holds court within Tushita Heaven.
This charming composition was most likely developed by the prominent 19th-century thangka master, Trehor Namkha Gyan, inspired by Khedrupje's fifth vision of Tsongkhapa, as described in his biographies; in times of doubt Tsongkhapa consoled Khedrupje, who was tasked with stewarding the fledgling school after the founder's death. Related examples have been sold recently at Sotheby's, New York, 14 September 2016, lot 160 and Bonhams, London, 11 May 2017, lot 22.














