Description

Antique mandala thangka painting depicting a central image of Padmasambhava surrounded by various scenes of heavenly beings and fierce deities. The backside of the thangka with 3 character sanskrit inscription.

Padmasambhava is said to have lead the first Nyingma traditionalist teachings in Tibet, the oldest of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism. He sits on a lotus throne, holding a vajra in his right hand and, in the other, a kapala (skull cup) filled with the elixir of life, the vase of longevity, topped with a small tree to grant wishes. The long staff weapon at his side is a khatvanga, his main attribute, with three severed heads denoting the three bodies of a Buddha, topped with a trishula or trident, and wrapped in the sash of the Five Pure Lights.

18th century

Dimensions: 25 1/2″ x 40″ H