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3. Thangka of Vajradhara Tibet 16th c. Distemper on prepared fabric, pigments, gesso, gold paint 28 x 23.15 inches (image only), 38.75 x 32 (frame size) |
A rich thangka image of Vajradhara Buddha (Tibetan: dor je chang, sang gye. English: the Vajra Holder, Enlightened One-- www.himalayanart.org), who is the personification of the pure buddhanature inherent to all sentient beings. His image radiates the promise of irreversible liberation from confused experience. Here he is seated on a lion throne surrounded by bodhisattvas, lineage holders, and multiple emanation Buddhas. This painting features stylistic details specific to the time period, such as gesso-gold embellishment on his mandorla and a rainbow arch above his throne, and is in excellent condition for its age. Detail: Thangka of Vajradhara, center detail Detail: Thangka of Vajradhara, side detail |