Thangka of Black Manjushri, 17-18th Century

A paint on cloth thangka of Black Manjushri, also known as Krishna, dating from the 17th or 18th century. The central figure of Manjushri sits in vajrasana while holding a flaming sword aloft in his right hand and the stem of a lotus flower in his left hand. The lotus flower supports a book. Manjushri appears in semi-peaceful, semi-wrathful form with an extravagant array of jewelry. He sits on a lotus pedestal with a green and purple mandorla behind him. Below his pedestals are bowls of fruit. Surrounding him are ten other Buddhist figures including Ushnishavijaya and lamas, as well as the Pancha Raksha or Five Protectors in the lower portion, the central figure of which is Pratisara. The whole thangka is mounted on a cloth backing.

Dimensions are: 29 inches tall X 20 inches wide, 73.7 cm X 50.8 cm. All measurements are approximate.

Condition: There is significant creasing with areas of loss and overpainting throughout. Some water damage is present. The thangka is separating from the backing, and the back of the thangka has not been examined. A reminder that all lots are sold as-is. We have sought to record the changes in the condition of this piece after its initial manufacture as diligently as possible; however, as stated in our terms, condition reports are statements of opinion and not representations or warranties. Oakridge Auction Gallery bears no responsibility for any error or omission.

Provenance: From Mrs. Fullerton in New Jersey. Her father, Maurice Etangs, was chief of police in Tianjin, China and lived there from 1935 to 1945. This lot was collected during that time.

High resolution photos can be found here.