A THANGKA OF MANING MAHAKALA BHUTAN, 19TH CENTURY Distemper on cloth; mounted with silks. Himalayan Art Resources item no. 207049 Image: 61 x 50 cm (24 x 19 5/8 in.) With silks: 112 x 71 cm (44 1/8 x 28 in.) Footnotes: 不丹 十九世紀 貢布瑪寧大黑天唐卡 Provenance John and Karina Stewart Collection, since 2016 Maning Mahakala, a distinct form of Mahakala and a principal protector of the Nyingma tradition, dominates the composition, his dark-blue, three-eyed form enveloped by red-orange flames and billowing black smoke. Crowned with five skulls and richly robed, he holds a human heart before his chest and raises a long spear diagonally across his body, while trampling prostrate figures. The upper register depicts Amitabha flanked by two Drukpa Kagyu hierarchs. Flanking Mahakala's shoulders are Hayagriva and Pehar, while Shri Devi, Tsiu Marpo riding a red horse, Tseringma seated upon a white snow lion, and other worldly protectors occupy the surrounding registers. The painting reflects the distinctive characteristics of 19th-century Bhutanese painting, particularly its vibrant palette, elaborate textile patterns, curling flames, and stylized landscape with rounded cloud formations. For a related similar iconographic and stylistic comparison, see a thangka of Chaturbhuja Mahakala in the Rubin Museum of Art (F1998.14.1). For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing