Page 110 - Bonhams May 11th 2017 London Thangka Collection
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46 This powerful thangka depicts the protector deity Shadbhuja
A RARE BLACK-GROUND THANGKA Mahakala with dynamic lines and forms. His energy emanates from his
OF SHADBHUJA MAHAKALA bulging eyes and gaping mouth. The garlands of human head, skulls,
Tibet, 19th century and flaming strands of hair serve to enhance the thangka’s horrific
Distemper and gold on cloth, the reverse with multiple Tibetan awe.
invocations, with mount, framed and glazed.
67.5 x 55 cm (26 5/8 x 21 5/8 in); Rhie and Thurman noted that black-ground thangkas served to
With mount: 125.5 x 69.5 cm (49 1/4 x 27 1/4 in) intensify the visual impression of wrathful deities who project an aura
of overwhelming power in order to protect or assist practitioners. ‘The
西藏十九世紀 六臂大黑天像 black color here reflects the ultimate reality, voidness, the Truth Body
of enlightened beings. Beings enjoying the awareness of this reality
Referenced 參考: Himalayan Art Resources item no.2187 are only moved to manifestation by compassion, which is the source
of the striking beauty of their forms and surroundings’. See M.M.Rhie
Provenance 來源: The Jongen-Schleiper Collection of Fine Thangkas and R.Thurman, Wisdom and Compassion: The Sacred Art of Tibet,
New York, 1991, p.297.
Published and Illustrated: A.Neven, Etudes D’Art Lamaique et de
L’Himalaya, Brussels, 1978, pp.66-67, no.39 Mahakala is surrounded by his retinue. At the top center is Arya
Nagarjuna Nanda Shri. At the right side is Ga Lotsawa. Descending
出版及著錄： A.Neven著，《Etudes D’Art Lamaique et de on the left side are Beng Gon, Chig Char Marpo, Dragpo Kyupa.
L’Himalaya》，布魯塞爾，1978年，頁66-67，編號39 Descending on the right side are Kuyi Gonpo Tag Shon, Dokam
Wangchugma, and an embracing couple. At the lower center is
Wangchug Chenpo and the consort Parvati.
Compare with a related thangka of Mahakala, 19th century, from the
Rubin Museum of Art, New York, acc.no.F1997.3.5, illustrated on
Himalayan Art Resources, item no.70.
46 (reverse inscription)
108 | BONHAMS
