Lot 168a, Auction 4/20/2026: Superb Consecrated Tibetan Thangka Yamantaka & Mantras

$1,690.00

In stock

Central Asia, Tibet, ca. 19th century CE. A large and vibrantly painted thangka depicting Yamantaka, the wrathful manifestation of Manjushri, surrounded by a halo of flames and encircled by numerous deities and attendants. The central figure is rendered with multiple heads, arms, and legs, trampling upon prostrate figures symbolic of vanquished ignorance, while adorned in elaborate jewelry and crowned with a garland of skulls. Painted in rich tones of orange, blue, green, and gold highlights – the composition radiates dynamic energy and spiritual potency, with carefully detailed smaller figures of lamas and deities in registers above and around the scene. Set within a modern silk brocade mount of yellow and purple floral-patterned fabric, the thangka displays auspicious Buddhist motifs that reinforce its ritual function as an object of meditation and protection. Size of textile: 59″ L x 36″ W (149.9 cm x 91.4 cm); painting: 43.5″ L x 28″ W (110.5 cm x 71.1 cm); gold quality: 23%

On the verso of this thangka are ritual inscriptions and seals applied during its consecration ceremony. At the four cardinal points are protective seed-syllables, while at the center appears the classic three-syllable formula “Om Ah Hum” rendered in a blocky, stylized Tibetan script with circular marks. This mantra embodies the enlightened body (Om), speech (Ah), and mind (Hum) of the Buddha and is the standard empowerment formula used to ritually “animate” sacred images. Beneath the central mantra are circular seal impressions in red and black ink, representing monastic or workshop insignia used to sanctify the thangka. Together, the inscriptions and seals mark the work as ritually empowered, ensuring it could serve not only as a painting but also as a living object of devotion and meditation.

Condition: Painting is set in modern brocade and attached to a modern wood rod with staples and a simple plastic cord is attached to the rod for suspension. The rod and cord can easily be replaced to be more secure. Creasing and folds to the painting, with losses to pigments along these creases as expected with storage. Some fading to pigments, but motifs are discernable and very detailed. Silk brocade cloth has some fraying to the hem edges and a few pulled threads, but otherwise stable and vibrant. Staining and discoloration to the verso, but mantras are clear and discernable.

Provenance: ex-P.T. collection, Queens, New York, USA

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