BHUTAN, 17TH/18TH CENTURY

Details

A thangka of Shabdrung Ngagwang Namgyal
Bhutan, 17th/18th century
Seated at center on a cushion over an elaborate throne, wearing rich red and orange brocade robes and his distinctive fan-like hat, his face with long beard backed by a green halo, surrounded by various deities, all in a verdant mountainous landscape
Opaque pigments and gold on textile
17¾ x 13½ in. (45 x 34.2 cm.)

Provenance

Private Collection, Switzerland, acquired in 1965

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Lot Essay

Shabdrung Ngagwang Namgyal8~1594-1651) fled at the age of 23 into voluntary exile in Bhutan, where he was the founder of the Drugpa Kagyu tradition of Buddhism in Bhutan, and is also considered to be its founder. In this painting, Vajradhara is at top center flanked by the Indian siddhas Tilopa and Naropa, with Marpa Chokyi Lodro in the sky at left and Milarepa on the right. At center left is Vaishravana riding a lion, and center right is Jambhala holding a jewel spitting mongoose. At bottom center is Shri Devi riding a donkey, with Tseringma riding a snow lion on the left and Tsi'u Marpo riding a red horse on the right.

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