A THANGKA DEPICTING EKADASHALOKESHVARA

Estimated Value:

4.000 € - 6.000 €

Result:

5.180 € incl. Premium and VAT

Description:

Tibet, late 18th c.
52,5 x 38 (103 x 58,5) cm
The centre with Ekadashalokeshvara standing in samabhanga on a lotus base, his principle hands in anjalimudra while the other six are radiating around his body holding the prescribed attributes or gestures, wearing dhoti, scarf, bejewelled, his eleven-faced head displaying various expressions, halo behind, surrounded by nine different emanations of the Buddha, all seated in vajrasana and showing various gestures, Syamatara holding the lotus flower, an offering set in front of the lotus base and all placed in a mountainous landscape, in brocade mounting. The form of Avalokiteśvara with eleven heads and eight arms is a deeply symbolic representation of compassion and protection. Avalokiteśvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, is revered in this form for his ability to hear the cries of sentient beings across the realms and offer assistance in multiple ways. This specific form, known as Ekadaśamukha Avalokiteśvara, is significant in Vajrayāna and Mahāyāna traditions, embodying his all-encompassing compassion and wisdom. Iconographically, the eleven heads are typically stacked in rows and signify Avalokiteśvara’s expanded awareness and responsiveness to the suffering of sentient beings in all directions and realms. Each of the eight arms represents different methods and means Avalokiteśvara uses to aid sentient beings, embodying skilful or expedient means (upāya). The reverse side of the painting features the consecration formula oṃ āḥ hūṃ written vertically, accompanied by a heartfelt dedicatory inscription written in verse. The dedication reveals that the painting was commissioned by a woman named Tséwang Kyiba, who seems to have lost most of her close relatives, from her elderly mother to her first-born daughter. Now alone, with no family left, she turned to Avalokiteśvara, the supreme embodiment of compassion, to watch over her departed loved ones. To that end, she went to see a hermit and monk named Lozang Jorden, who composed the verse of dedication and most likely performed the consecration of the painting as well.
Collection Günter Werker, German diplomat, stationed in Bombay 1968-71 - Traces of age, minor wear

Bidding

previous lot Catalogue next lot