THANGKA WITH A CHAKRASAMVARA MANDALA.
Tibet. 19th/20th c

Colors and gold on fabric. In the center of the mandala palace stands the blue Yidam Chakrasamvara with four faces and twelve arms embracing the red D鈑ini Vajravarahi in yab-yum. This depiction is an expression of the transcendence of all duality. In concentric circles further D鈑ini gather around the central couple. Outside of the four palace doors a garden and three further rings: on the inside lotus blossoms - symbol of inner purification; a five-colored ring of fire - symbol of the destruction of all spiritual obstacles. The outer ring a depiction of the Eight Graveyards - characteristic for mandala of the protective deities. In the center above the mandala presumably the transcendent Buddha Samantabhadra with his companion D鈑ini Samantabhadri. They are flanked by Tibetan Lama and saints. Bottom right: the protective deity Lhamo riding on a donkey. Bottom left: Mah鈑鈒a. 80 x 58cm. Framed behind glass with broad gold frame. Condition A/B.

Literature:
-Essen; Gerd-Wolfgang/Thingo; Tashi Tsering: Die G鰐ter des Himalaya. Cologne; 1990. No. 1-118; p. 191f.
Art trade; Van Ham.