A FINE APPLIQUÉ THANGKA OF A DALAI OR PANCHEN LAMA

Description:

Tibet, ca.18th c.
62 x 41,5 cm (85.5 x 64 cm R.)
Silk brocade and gold threads. The high Mönch of Gelugpa sits draped in a multi-layered robe on a meditation cushion placed on a stepped pedestal. He holds a sutra book and a lotus flower, and offerings and ritual vessels are placed in front of him. Framed.
Collection Günter Werker, German diplomat, stationed in Bombay 1968-71
A limited number of appliqués of this type prevailed from 17th to 19th century. Cf. an example dated to the early Qing dynasty, depicting a seated Ratnasambhava rendered in a similar composition as the present thangka, constructed in Tibet, illustrated by J. E. Vollmer, Silks for Thrones and Altars Chinese Costumes and Textiles, Myrna Myers, 2003, no. 69. Also compare with two other examples dated to the 18th/19th century, illustrated op. cit., no. 68, of Tibetan construction, and no. 70, Mongolian construction.- Minor wear and traces of age