IMPORTANT AND LARGE THANGKA OF PADMASAMBHAVA.
Nepal/Tibet. 19th/20th c.

Colors and gold on fabric. Mounted with Gyaser brocade (Varanasi; Benares; India). Side knobs from silver. The founder of the Tibetan Buddhism is revered also as Guru Rinpoche (Precious Master). He is shown here with Amithaba above his head and surrounded by some of his eight manifestations. Depicted below are stages of his life. At the right upper part he is shown in the seldom form as the healer Orgyen Menla; surrounded by the Eight forms of the Medicine Buddha. Orgyen Menla is not one of the Eight Manifestations of Padmasambhava.

The Thangka might come from the entourage of the present Dalai Lama. On the back of the central figure a consecration inscription in red. The fabric of the mounting was imported from India and used by the highest ranks of the Nobility in the Himalayan region. 83 x 64cm; overall dimensions 150 x 98cm. Fitted large wooden box with glass available. Condition A/B.

Provenance:
-According to a paper on the back acquired from the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala; India; 1962.
-Private collection Dr. Braun-Angott; Hagen.
-Private collection Rolf Sachse; as a present.
-Private collection Lower Saxony; by inheritance.
Art trade; Van Ham.