Footnotes

西藏 十九世紀 六臂大黑天黑唐卡

This ethereal image depicts the protector deity Shadbhuja Mahakala with perfect lines, forms, and complex composition of exceptional quality. His boundless energy seems to burgeon from out beyond his bulging eyes and gaping mouth, framed by tense facial muscles, and to radiate in all directions – his pristine awareness on fire. The generous use of gold seen in the flawless strands of his upswept hair show a real mastery of the brush. Meanwhile, the meticulous and selective use of blue and red shading enhances the thangka's depth.

Described by Rhie & Thurman, in reference to a comparable painting, blackground thangkas served to intensify the visual impression of wrathful deities who project an aura of overwhelming power in order to protect or assist practitioners. "The black color here reflects the ultimate reality, voidness, the Truth Body of enlightened beings. Beings enjoying the awareness of this reality are only moved to manifestation by compassion, which is the source of the striking beauty of their forms and surroundings." (Rhie & Thurman, Wisdom and Compassion, 1991, p. 297).

Shadbhuja Mahakala was brought to Tibet by Khyungpo Naljor, the founder of the Shangpa Kagyu School. The practice became popular in the Sakya, Kagyu, and Jonang traditions and was later adopted into the Gelugpa School, becoming one of three principal protectors of the Sarma tradition. Depicted at the painting's apex is the Gelug order's founder, Tsongkhapa (1357-1419) flanked by ancillary forms of Mahakala while surrounding Shadbhuja Mahakala is an inner retinue of five figures. Starting at the top right and moving clockwise is black Jinamitra, Trakshe riding a horse, Palden Lhamo riding a black mule, Shri Devi riding a red mule, Kshetrapala riding a bear, and red Takkiraja.

At the top center is a very small figure of Buddha Vajradhara. Below that to the lower right and left are the two female Indian teachers Sukhasiddhi and Niguma. Between the two is the Tibetan teacher Kedrub Khyungpo Naljor (1050-1127) the founder of the Shangpa Tradition. At the top left side is Heruka Chakrasamvara embracing the consort Vajrayogini. At the top right is 'Secret Accomplishment' Hayagriva of the Kyergangpa tradition. Below those two on the left is Kachod Marmo and on the right side is Kachod Karmo. These two female deities are specialized forms of Vajrayogini and are employed in advanced Tantric meditation practices.

This remarkable painting compares favorably to two other blackground thangkas of Shadbhuja in the Rubin Museum of Art (HAR 650 and 471). Also see a later painting of Bernagchen of comparable quality sold at Bonhams, Hong Kong, 5 October 2020, lot 114.

Provenance:
Navin Kumar
Fournier Collection, 1980s