A SMALL THANGKA OF TSÉRINGMA

Description:

Tibet, late 18th c.
45,5 x 28,5 (76 x 39,5) cm
Tashi Tséringma (bkra shis tshe ring ma), a female Dharma practitioner from Tibet, is the most important
deity among the Five Sisters of Long Life (bkra shis tshe ring mched lnga). Depicted with a white complexion, she has one face and two arms. In her right hand she holds a golden, nine-pointed vajra, while her left hand grasps a vase for long life, which is decorated with a lucky knot and a swastika. Traditionally, she is depicted riding on a white snowy cloak, as here on this charmingly painted small thangka. The depiction of a whiteß clad yogi in the upper register strongly suggests that it is Milarepa (1040-1123). It is therefore likely that the previous owner of this painting was a follower of the
Kagyütradition or one of its sub-schools. The Five Sisters of Long Life, who are revered by all Tibetan Buddhist schools, have a special significance in the various Kagyüsub-schools because of their connection to Milarepa. They are associated with Milarepa, they are considered the most prominent of his non-human disciples, entrusted with the preservation of Milarepa's Ülineage. 1] Tibetan inscription (Rückseite, black ink). 1] rdo rje mi 'gyur dpal gyi yum/ gtso mo bkra shis tshe ring ma la phyag 'tshal lo/ - The consort of Dorjé Migyur Pel. I pay homage to the [central deity] Lady Tashi Tséringma.
Collection of Tibetologist Detlef Lauf, collected between 1960 and 1990 - Wear, traces of age and partial rest.