SIDPAHO - ASTROLOGICAL PROTECTION THANGKA

Estimated Value:

800 € - 1.200 €

Schätzpreis:

1.100 €

Description:

Tibet, ca. 1900
66,5 x 46,5 cm, R.
Tibetan astrology is closely related to the Lamaist religion. Many Tibetan lamas and Tibetan doctors were versed in astrology and used it in their daily practice, because Tibetan astrology is also an inseparable part of Tibetan medicine. It is directly connected to daily life and serves to understand the circumstances of life and provides orientation, which is why such protective images and amulets are found in many dwellings. Buddha Shakyamuni appears at the top of the painting, accompanied by the bodhisattva of wisdom Manjushri and Shadakshari-Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion. The central component of this protective thangka is a magical wheel located on the lower side of the body of a powerful turtle. This is an emanation of Manjushri. Inside the circle are arranged, from the inside out, the signs of the nine planets, the eight parkhas, the twelve signs of the zodiac and another eight astrological signs. Another magic circle, surrounded by fire, is in the upper part, above the intertwined ten syllables of the Kalacakra mantra (centre). It contains mantras, the eight auspicious symbols, other astrological signs and the seed syllable OM. To the left of the circle appears the blue-coloured Bodhisattva of Power - Vajrapani, and opposite Manjushri in the form of Kongtse Trulgyi Gyalpo, seated on a turtle. Below on the right appears the protector Tsi'u mar po on a white horse, holding a bundle of jewels and a spear, and opposite him the powerful red-coloured protector Begtse. Below Begtse, a Dharma Protector rides on a white horse, holding a whip and a treasure vase. Animal-headed beings ride on different animals such as: Boar, Dragon, Tiger and Lion. To the left and right of the borders, different coloured 'seals' are arranged one above the other, offering protection against negative influences and dangers. Five jewel bundles are assigned to the cardinal points which promise wealth and prosperity. Symbols such as sun and moon, swastika, vajra, a (medicine?) tree and a vajra sword fill the empty spaces. Numerous texts, prayers or invocations in Tibetan script, written in red paint, are spread over the picture surface. Garuda, dragon, tiger and lion are depicted in the four corners of the picture surface. Tempera on cotton fabric, framed.
Important southern German private collection, acquired by Schoettle Ostasiatica before 2000
Literature: Béla Kelényi (Ed.) Demons and Protectors, Folk Religion in Tibetan and Mongolian Buddhism; Ference Hopp Museum of Eastern Asiatic Art; Budapest, 2003: pp. 77-78 - Signs of age, wear

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