A THANGKA OF HAYAGRIVA


TIBET, 19TH CENTURY Distemper on cloth.Himalayan Art Resources item no.61942 Image: 24 1/2 x 17 5/8 in. (62.3 x 44.7 cm);With silks: 50 x 30 in. (127 x 76 cm)
|西藏 十九世紀 馬頭明王唐卡 The highly accomplished painter has mastered a variety of techniques, embellishing this thankga with contrasting features. For example, the subtle transition of the background between green, yellow, and blue, contrasts with the bold opaque figures of the deities, their aureoles, and the gold 'sun disc' the central figure stands above. Similarly, while flaming aureoles are crisply lined, clouds are expertly shaded with a wash. Identified by the horse head emerging from the central figure's hair, this thankga depicts Hayagriva. He embraces his consort while extending his wings. The divine couple are surrounded by four forms of Mahakala, each occupying an intercardinal direction. Four dakinis dance around the main deity's lotus base, while Rahula, Begtse Chen, and Vaishravana populate the very bottom. In the blue sky above, Amitabha Buddha is flanked by three lineage teachers on each side. Compare a closely related composition sold at Bonhams, London, 11 May 2017, lot 43, and a Vajrakila sold at Sotheby's, New York, 28 March 2006, lot 114. Provenance Private Charlottesville Collection Thence by descent