Waterbased pigments and gold embellishments on cloth
Tibet, circa 1900
Depicting the congregation of saints and deities of the Gelugpa order arranged into an assembly tree rising out of the water
In the center of the thangka is the figure of Tsongkhapa (1357-1419), founder of the Gelugpa
A multitude of figures in attendance, partly floating on clouds
A dense composition in red, green, yellow and blue on a purple ground
Dimensions: 46 x 34.5 cm
Condition: see condition report
Object is regular taxed. 19% VAT is added to the purchase price for deliveries within the EU.

Condition:

The thangka is in fair condition with signs of age and wear. There are creases as well as stains, mainly to the right margin. Partly with some color abrasions and losses. The dimensions are 46 x 34.5 cm.



Thangka

A thangka is a scroll painting of Tantric Buddhism. It is used for meditation in temples or in home shrines and processions. Buddhas, bodhisattvas, guardian deities, arhats, various lamas, ascetics and pandits in various incarnations are portrayed in scenes of their life. Often they depict mandalas with the wheel of life as well as lines of tradition. Thangkas are created according to well-defined iconographic rules (in terms of body shape, dress and attitude of the sitter), and are particularly common in Tibet.



Gelugpa

Gelugpa is a school of Tibetan Buddhism, which was founded in the 15th century and literally translates to ‘school of the virtuous’. The official head of the school is the Ganden Tripa, the highest tulku (custodian of Buddhist teachings) is the Dalai Lama. The focus of this school is placed on the study of Buddhist scriptures and the observance of monastic rules. In the 15th century Gelugpa managed to remove the state power and eventually established itself as the preeminent Buddhist school in Tibet.

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