Framed Antique Tibetan Thangka of Yamantaka with Consort

A stunning antique Tibetan Thangka with an embroidered border, circa mid to late 19th Century. It depicts Yamantaka or Vajrabhairava, a wrathful manifestation of Manjusri, the bodhisattva of wisdom, and in other contexts functions as a dharmapala, or 'Dharma-protector'. The buffalo head deity Vajrabhairava is one of the three principal meditation deities of the Gelug School. He is shown with nine faces in the Yab Yum...

A Japanese silk Suijaku hanging scroll beautifully presented in a custom wood shadow box frame from Edo period (circa 18-19th century). The scroll, surmounted on golden brocade was painted in fine details with gouache, ink and gold powder highlight, served as a Suijaku mandala for the worshippers. Honji Suijaku is a complicated religious concept uniquely developed in Japan. It mixed and hybrid the Buddism deities with native shinto spirits (known as Kami), which were seen as local manifestations (the suijaku, literally means a "trace") of Buddhist deities (the honji literally the original ground). The original idea may lie with the synergetic strategy to spread Buddism by making it more relatable to the local population who had already worshiped Shinto gods. The paradigm, adopted in the 10th century from an orignal Chinese concept, remained a defining feature of Japanese religious life up to the end of the Edo period (1868). Instead of being confined to deities, its application was often extended to historical figures as shown on this scroll. This long hanging scroll depicts an arrangement of 21 figures including Buddhism and Shinto deities as well as two historical figures on the bottom. Each figure was name-tagged in Kanji for easy identification by the worshippers. It was used in the temple or shrine so that when the worshipper prayed in front the mandala, they prayed simultaneously to all the deities. On the very top, sits Nyorai-Kojin, a hybrid deity of Nyorai Buddha and Kojin, the kaki for fire, stove and kitchen. From the top to bottom and left to right, here is the list of the deities: Kanon with Thousand Hands, Kanon with Willow Branch, Monju Bosatsu...

This fine vintage painted work is richly filled with small figures surrounding a large central figure. All interspersed with clouds and religious symbols. The colors are deep but muted with time and age. The piece is newly bordered in rich Chinese silks edges in three strong colors setting the piece of nicely and making a strong impression. The Thangka is framed overall in a gilded simple frame. Condition Disclosure: While we do our best to carefully inspect and give a full report on the condition of any item we sell, pointing out any repairs or alterations that may have been done to the best of our knowledge, as is the case with any antique and vintage item, there is a possibility that at some point in the life of the piece that there may have been damaged which has been professionally repaired and as such a repair undetectable, it is therefore impossible for us to disclose... we recommend that you also read and agree to the 1st dibs user agreement...

A vibrantly colored Tibetan Thangka of a multi armed Deity, Tibet Circa 1900, framed in a gold tone frame under glass, Measures: 28 inches tall, 30.75 inches wide.