Southeast Asia, Tibet or Butan, ca. late 19th century CE. This colorful thangka of stunning hues and gold leaf features a large central image of Shakyamuni Buddha seated on a lotus throne before a grand temple with the peaceful gaze of meditation, blue-black hair in tufts with a gold top-knot ornament and the split ears of a prince, he wears the patched saffron red robes of a fully ordained monk. With the two legs folded in vajra posture he sits above a multicolored lotus with hands in lap in mudra of meditation (dhyana) holding an alms bowl. Shakyamuni Buddha also known as Gautam Buddha was born in 563 B.C at Lumbini, western part of Nepal. He attained "Bodhi Gyana" enlightenment that is a state of Nirvana after six years of meditation. He was then called the enlightened one "Buddha". He died at the age of 80 at Kusinagara. To distinguish from all other Buddha, he is called Shakyamuni (The lion of Shakya clan), the son of king Suddhodana and queen Mayadevi. Shakyamuni Buddha is also known as Gautam Buddha. Imagery of the Shakyamuni Buddha is believed to bring peace and enlightenment in our body and mind. Several dozen other Buddhas, sacred figures and animals including peacocks and conch shells accompany Shakyamuni. A rainbow array of prayer flags wave and flutter in the sky above as tiny Buddhas sprouting from lotuses swirl in the waters below. This is such a rich metaphor as the Buddha, like a lotus, is determined to grow out of the muddy waters surroundings to achieve Nirvana, that is the defilements and sufferings of life. A very strong thangka, rich for its iconographical program and fine painting. Custom frame and sage green mat. Painting itself measures 17-1/2" x 27" (25 1/2" x 36" framed)

Provenance: Ex-Mr. Burns, Longmont, CO, acquired in 1950s-1960s. Mr. Burns is an accomplished mountaineer who climbed some of the highest peaks across the globe!

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#102071

Some wear from age, but very little paint loss.