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Lot 86
TSONGKHAPA'S DESCENT FROM TUSHITA HEAVEN
Estimated Value:
1.200 € - 1.800 €
Schätzpreis:
1.600 €
Description:
Tibet, 18th c.50 x 32 (92 x 61) cm
The central figure of this thangka is Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelugpa school in Tibet. Thangkas with this depiction are known as Ganden Lha Gyama, or "The Hundreds of Enlightened Beings of Tushita," because it is based on a prayer to Tsongkhapa that begins with the words, "From the heart of the Lord of Tushita Heaven of the Hundreds of Enlightened Beings." This expression addresses Buddha Maitreya the current Lord of the Pure Land of Tushita, and "Buddha of the Future." Finally, the opening verse of this prayer addresses Tsongkhapa and his two favorite disciples emanating from the heart of Buddha Maitreya. They appear on a white cloud piled high. In the lower right corner appears, here in the picture, the praying man with a rice offering mandala in his hands. He intones the prayer, visualizing Tsongkhapa and his two disciples appearing before him. At the end of the meditation and mantra recitation, Tsongkhapa appears to the meditator, dissolving into his heart. In this way, he becomes one with the body, speech and mind of enlightenment. Many Gelug devotees practice this worship ritual daily as a preparation for their meditation and taking refuge. In the center of the painting floats a white "tailed" cloud on which Tsongkhapa - the Great Reformer - appears, accompanied by his two disciples Khädup and Gyaltshab. Maitreya's paradise, the Tushita sky, appears above Tsongkhapa's appearance. Maitreya sits there on his throne, his two feet placed on a lunar photo, and holds the gesture of teaching, simultaneously releasing the white cloud from his hands. Atisha and Domtönpa are seated on either side of Maitreya. In the middle of the 11th century (ca. 1040/1042) Atisha, was invited to Tibet by the eldest son of the then king of Guge. There he met with Dromtönpa, with whom he made many extended journeys, both meeting with monks and giving teachings. At the bottom left, Yamaraja - The God of the Dead - is depicted on the bull. In the center is a gift table set up with offerings in honor of Tsongkhapa. Tempera and gold on cotton fabric, original thangka mounting (interesting fabric structure!), the back with inscription in vermilion color.
Important German private collection, collected in the 1970s and 80s, largely acquired at Schoettle Ostasiatica, Stuttgart
Minor traces of age and minro wear, the reverse with water marks
