Page 33 - Bonhams May 11th 2017 London Thangka Collection

Padmasambhava (meaning ‘the Lotus Born’), 6 Shakyamuni Buddha, painted in gold,
the great Indian adept who introduced gazes solemnly forward with half-closed
Buddhism to Tibet in the 8th century, is 6 eyes in meditation. He sits at the moment
shown in the centre of the painting seated A THANGKA OF SHAKYAMUNI BUDDHA of enlightenment in bhumisparsha mudra,
in lalitasana on a lotus base, holding a vajra Tibet, 19th century atop a double-lotus throne surrounded by
in his right hand; in his left hand he carries Distemper on cloth, with silk mount, framed blossoming peonies influenced by Chinese
the skull bowl of absolute voidness, in which and glazed. painting styles. His right shoulder bare and
there is a vase of the elixir of immortality, 77 x 51 cm (30 2/8 x 20 in); with silk mount: his red and orange robes folded with large,
symbolising his being a manifestation of 115 x 71 cm (45 3/8 x 28 in). generous pleats. Above him, on the upper
Amitabha Buddha. The khatvanga rests register, is Padmasambhava and the Buddhas
in the crook of his left arm. The khatvanga 西藏十九世紀 釋迦牟尼佛像 of the past and future. At the bottom of
is surmounted by the vivajra (symbolising the painting is Green Tara, Manjushri,
the union of wisdom and compassion) and Referenced 參考: Himalayan Art Resources Avalokitesvara Shadakshari and Varjapani.
the three heads (wet, shrunken, and skull), item no.2218
symbolising conquest of the three poisons, Provenance 來源: The Jongen-Schleiper THE JONGEN-SCHLEIPER COLLECTION | 31
as well as the trident, symbolising the mastery Collection of Fine Thangkas
of the three central channels of the yogic
nervous system.

Padmasambhava has various other names
and forms, representing the ‘Outer’, ‘Inner’
and ‘Secret’ aspects of his spiritual being.
Surrounding him in this painting are the
principal Eight Forms of Padmasambhava;
each used to highlight an important event
in his life. He is further surrounded by
subsequent lineage teachers, meditational
deities and protectors from of the Nyngma
Tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. For more
details about Padmasambhava, see
M.M.Rhie and R.A.F.Thurman, Wisdom and
Compassion: The Sacred Art of Tibet, New
York, 1996, pp.168-183.