Page 128 - Bonhams NYC Indian and Himalayan Art March 2019

905
A THANGKA OF HAYAGRIVA Identified by the horse head emerging from the central figure’s hair,
TIBET, 19TH CENTURY this thankga depicts Hayagriva. He embraces his consort while
Distemper on cloth. extending his wings. The divine couple are surrounded by four forms
Himalayan Art Resources item no.61942 of Mahakala, each occupying an intercardinal direction. Four dakinis
Image: 24 1/2 x 17 5/8 in. (62.3 x 44.7 cm); dance around the main deity’s lotus base, while Rahula, Begtse Chen,
With silks: 50 x 30 in. (127 x 76 cm) and Vaishravana populate the very bottom. In the blue sky above,
Amitabha Buddha is flanked by three lineage teachers on each side.
$8,000 - 12,000 Compare a closely related composition sold at Bonhams, London,
11 May 2017, lot 43, and a Vajrakila sold at Sotheby’s, New York, 28
西藏 十九世紀 馬頭明王唐卡 March 2006, lot 114.

The highly accomplished painter has mastered a variety of techniques, Provenance
embellishing this thankga with contrasting features. For example, the Private Charlottesville Collection
subtle transition of the background between green, yellow, and blue, Thence by descent
contrasts with the bold opaque figures of the deities, their aureoles, and
the gold ‘sun disc’ the central figure stands above. Similarly, while flaming
aureoles are crisply lined, clouds are expertly shaded with a wash.

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