19th century Tibetan Thangka.
"Padmasambhava and consorts".
Mixed media on silk.
The wooden frame has some chipping.
Measurements: 80 x 51 cm; 94 x 64 cm (frame)
Thangka with the representation of Padmasambhava, from Tibet. Padmasambhava was the great Buddhist master of Uddiyana, in the current Pakistan, introducer of Buddhism in Tibet during the 8th century AD. He is depicted flanked by his two wives, the Bengali princess Mandarava (right) and the Tibetan Yeshe Tshogyal (left). In the background, a landscape with small villages is depicted.
Tibetan thangkas are Buddhist banners, painted or embroidered on silk, other fabrics or paper, which can be rolled up. They were hung on monasteries and family altars, and occasionally carried by monks in religious processions. Originally, thangka paintings were popular with itinerant monks, as scroll paintings were easy to transport from one monastery to another. They were also important teaching tools, depicting scenes from the life of the Buddha, prominent lamas and bodhisattvas.