THANGKA. PADMASAMBHAVA.
Tibet. 18th/19th century.

Colors and gold on canvas; Japanese and Chinese silk fabric as mounting. The highly honoured Padmasambhava is supposed to have brought the Tantric Buddhism to Tibet in the 8th century; to have subjected the demons to the B鰊 religion and compelled them as guards of Buddhism. Characteristic for him is the red hat; which is also worn by the monks of the Ningma order; which was founded by him. In his left hand he is holding a flaming trident (khatvanga) as a symbol of the Tantrists and in his raised right hand the dorje (thunder wedge or vajra). On his left is the Buddha of the West Amithaba in red and on his right the green Tara; who protects from danger. In the bottom part Ningma monks reach the salvation of the Padmasambhava by crossing a taunt cloth bridge. Size: 71 x 54cm. Condition A/B.

Provenance:
From the collection of the Indologist Dr. Wolfgang Schumann.
Art trade; Van Ham.