
Mark Rasmussen
International Director
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Sold for US$6,325 inc. premium
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International Director

Head of Sale, Specialist
藏東 八蚌風格 十九世紀 金剛總持唐卡
This colorful painting depicts Vajradhara, the primordial Buddha, who is the root-deity of many Tantric Buddhist teachings. Above him, emerging from a cluster of clouds, is Samantabhadra, who in some traditions is also considered the primordial Buddha. Samantabhadra is seated in union with his consort, Samantabhadri, amid rainbow-colored streams of light. Against a hilly, verdant landscape, a retinue of mahasiddhas, monastic teachers, and a Tibetan ruler enliven the composition.
The palette and style follow a painting tradition developed by Situ Panchen Chokyi Jungne (1700–74), which was popularized at Palpung Monastery in Eastern Tibet. Compare the palette and overall composition, with similar grassy knolls and tonal gradients, to a White Tara thangka published in Jackson, Patron and Painter, New York, 2009, p.114, fig.6.1. Also, see a Palpung-style Shadakshari thangka for its similar treatment of the semi-transparent aureole and rainbow light (HAR 77018).
Provenance
Private New York Collection, acquired in New York, 1990s