AN 18TH CENTURY THANGKA DEPICTING AVALOKITESHVARA SHADAKSHARI
Distemper on cloth, with brocade mounting, framed behind glass,Tibet, presumably 18th century, maybe earlierThis thangka shows the Buddha of compassion, Avalokiteshvara, in his four-armed Sadaksari form. The Bodhisattva is seated in lotus posture atop an outsized lotus flower and is surrounded by a mountainous landscape. Sadaksari has his main hands folded at his heart. In his raised hands he holds a lotus flower and a Mala. In the upper left corner we see a figure sitting in a cave and goats grazing there as well. Above the central deity is a small portrayal of red-skinned Buddha Amitabha. On the backside are some Tibetan inscriptions. Shape: Rectangular vertical shapeDimensions: 49 x 36 cm (frame), 38 x 26cm (image cut-out)Condition: Shows extensive creases, abrasions and surface scratches as well as soilingProvenance: German private Collection