A large thangka of Vajrabhairava, Tibet, 18th century

A large thangka of Vajrabhairava
Tibet, 18th century

distemper on cloth
Himalayan Art Resources item no.58529
HAR編號58529

Height 41½ in., 105.5 cm; Width 26⅘ in., 69 cm

Condition Report:
As Visible in the photo, there is some rubbing to the pigments. Minor retouching on some losses, mainly on the figure. Other minor creasing and general wear.

Because this lot was imported into the United States after September 1, 2020, it is subject to an import tariff of 7.5% of the value declared upon entry into the United States. $937.50, plus applicable sales tax will be included on your invoice unless you instruct Sotheby's to arrange shipping of the lot to a foreign address. For more information on the import tariff, please review the Symbol Key in the back of the catalogue. If you have any questions, please contact tariffs@sothebys.com.

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Catalogue Note:
The central figure on this large powerful thangka is Yamantaka Vajrabhairava, the main tutelary deity of the Gelug order of Tibetan Buddhism, dark blue in color, with nine heads, thirty-four arms and sixteen legs. The main head is that of a wrathful buffalo with two horns, whilst the small topmost head is that of Manjushri, indicating that Yamantaka Vajrabhairava is the wrathful tantric form of Manjushri, the bodhisattva of wisdom. Yamantaka Vajrabhairava (also known as the Death Tamer and the Diamond Terrifier) is especially important for the Gelugpas, due to lineage founder Lama Tsongkhapa’s special assocation with Manjushri, the Conqueror of Yama.

Standing on a sun disc above a lotus throne, he embraces his pale blue consort, Vajravetali; together they symbolize the union of method and wisdom. In his hands he holds various tantric implements which symbolically destroy all defilements and all enemies of the dharma, whilst underfoot he tramples on numerous animals, birds, humans and devas. Both hold a skull bow and chopper in their main hands and both are naked except for bodily adornments of skulls and bones, indicating there are no delusions. They are encircled by powerful tongues of orange-red flames.

Provenance:
Sotheby's London, 12th October 1989, lot 43.

European Private Collection.