Page 67 - 2020 September 23 Himalyan and Southeast Asian Works of Art Bonhams

632
A THANGKA OF HAYAGRIVA The palette, composition, and prominent scale of the central deity
QIANLONG PERIOD (1735-1796), YONGHEGONG STYLE (occupying more than half the image) are classic registers of paintings
Distemper on cloth produced at Beijing’s Yonghegong temple. See two examples
Himalayan Art Resources item no.16833 published in Qi, Beautiful Thangka Paintings in Yonghegong, Beijing,
9 1/4 x 6 7/8 in. (23.6 x 17.5 cm) 2001, pp.82 & 88. The deities’ mouth, eyes, beard, and hair are done
in the same fashion. Also compare the almost identical treatment of
$8,000 - 12,000 flames and clouds.

乾隆時期（1735-1796）雍和宮風格 馬頭明王唐卡 Provenance
The Collection of Guus Moorrees, USA, acquired in China at the
beginning of the 20th century
Hayagriva, who is recognizable from the horse heads emerging from Ex-Estate of Louise Moorrees, USA
his hair, is a popular protector deity who enjoys a special cult in the
Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism. Presented in a cloud of dark
smoke and flames, Hayagriva dominates this painting’s composition
whilst joined by Amitabha, Padmasambhava, and Avalokiteshvara
Shadaksari in the clouds, and a retinue of five protector deities in the
terrain below.

INDIAN, HIMALAYAN & SOUTHEAST ASIAN ART | 65