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Lot Essay
Despite condition issues this dramatic and powerfully executed painting portrays a rare Mahakala manifestation, namely the Black Eunuch (Ma ning), carrying spear and human heart. Most likely his name suggests that he is without organs and thus resulting in not able to join a monastery as monk or as nun. Perhaps this refers to the transcending duality quality of the deity. He presides over the protectors of the Nyingmapa order of which founder Padmasambhava is presented in the left upper corner. Next to him are Samantabhadra, Vajradhara, the Indian master dGa’ rab rdo rje (8th Ct.) and Avalokiteshvara. Flanking him are three forms of the standing goddess Tse ring ma and another Mahakala form. The lower register sees Rahula with serpent body, the one-eyed Ekajati and Dam can, all inscribed in gold with their names. The highly energetic painting is finely drawn in gold with some subtle and subdued touches of different colours against a black background.