Page 38 - Bonhams Indian and Himalayan Art September 2013

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A pair of gilt copper alloy repoussé lions A set of three thangkas depicting the life of Tsongkhapa
Tibet, 17th/18th century Tibet, circa 18th century
The pair wearing bells and holding a flaming jewel, with tufts of Distemper on cloth; each with the central figure of Tsongkhapa
hair swirling and flailing about their limbs and with fanged, tongue- surrounded by life scenes.
extended grimaces. Each image: 26 3/4 x 17 3/4 in. (68 x 45 cm)
19 in. (48.2 cm) high $10,000 - 15,000
$8,000 - 12,000
The standard set of paintings depicting the life story of Je Tsongkhapa,
These lions would have originally appeared below the dais of a large stupa designed in the early 18th century by Jamyang Shepa (1648-1721/22),
or statue. Compare to various similar examples held in Asian collections, has fifteen individual compositions. Typically hung in the grand hall
see Xu Tianfu (ed.), Faces of Dharma, Taipei, 2012, nos. 73-82. of monasteries, they illustrate how, throughout his previous lives,
Tsongkhapa, the 15th century saint and scholar of Tibet, cultivated the
Path leading to Enlightenment and how his spiritual progression was
attested by prophecies of all the Buddhas of the past.

For others from a similar set see Guiseppi Tucci, Painted Scrolls and the
Philadelphia Museum of Art, (Acc.#1960-131-7).

Provenance:
Property from the Hunter Museum of American Art sold to benefit future
acquisitions, 1968-2013
Anna C. Turner Collection

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