Page 149 - Bonhams Fine Chinese Art November 2018

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A THANGKA OF SADBHUJA MAHAKALA In his present form with six hands, Shadbhujia Mahakala is the
18th century wrathful emanation of Avalokoiteshvara. The deity arises from the eight
The six-armed deity depicted striding with a fierce expression, chapter of the Mahakala Tantra belonging to the Kriya classification.
trampling upon Ganapati, surrounded by a mass of blazing flames, There are several forms of Shadbhujia, the most popular being the
holding various attributes in his hands, including a vajra, a skull cup, wealth deity White Mahakala practiced in all traditions of Tibetan
a damaru and an outstretched elephant skin, his waist draped with Buddhism, but other versions of the deity are found in the Gelugpa
a tiger skin, the upper register with Vajradhara seated at the centre, and the Tsarpa lineages of Sakya. The fearsome appearance and
flanked by various lamas and mahasiddas, the central figure flanked the terrifying implements held by the deity refer to his capability to
by other forms of Mahakala, the lower register with Shri Devi and other cope with persistent and unwanted negativities. His most distinctive
worldly protectors. symbolic attributes are the chopper kartri and the skull bowl kapala
70.5cm x 53cm (28 1/8in x 20 7/8in). filled with blood, symbolising the sharp edge of wisdom shredding all
materialistic negative attitudes in the human-skull bowl of emptiness
£8,000 - 12,000 that holds the blood of defeated evil and demonic elements.
CNY72,000 - 110,000
Compare the physical appearence of the deity and the treatment of the
十八世紀 彩繪大黑天像唐卡 flames with a thangka of Mahakala, 18th century, from the collection
of Pia and Louis van der Wee, illustrated in Himalayan Art Resources,
Provenance: Navin Kumar, Paris no.100634.
Fournier Collection, Paris
A European private collection, acquired from the above in the 1980’s

來源：巴黎古董商Navin Kumar
巴黎Fournier收藏
歐洲私人收藏，於1980年代購自上者

For details of the charges payable in addition to the final Hammer Price of each Lot
please refer to paragraphs 7 & 8 of the Notice to Bidders at the back of the catalogue. FINE CHINESE ART | 145