19th century Tibetan Thangka.
"Wheel of Life".
Mixed media on silk.
Size: 77 x 49 cm; 100 x 73 cm (frame).
Tibetan thangka from the 19th century. It emphasizes in the central zone a great geometric composition representing the circle of life. Illuminated figures appear in the upper and lower margins. The colour range used, with flat inks, is based on reds, blues, greens, browns and golds. In the centre, Jambhala is depicted in ritual sexual union with his consort. Jambhala is the god of wealth, an emanation of the bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, and the figures accompanying him are the Dhyani Buddhas, representations of the various qualities of the Buddha. There are five forms of Jambhala, each of which has its own practice and mantras to help eliminate poverty and ensure economic stability. These are Green, White, Yellow, Red and Black Jambhala.
Tibetan thangkas are Buddhist banners, painted or embroidered on silk, other fabrics or paper, which can be rolled up. They were hung in 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.