A rare thangka depicting emanations of Padmasambhava

Description:

Bhutan, 18th/19th centuries
134 x 88 cm / 150 x 100 cm
Padmasambhava sits cross-legged on a lotus petal rising from the primordial waters; in his right hand he holds the vajra, in his left the kapala filled with blood; a trishula rests against his left shoulder; he wears a monk’s robe; his face has a stern expression; on his head he wears the characteristic headdress; behind him a halo is visible, flanked by his two consorts; in the centre of the upper register is Shakyamuni Buddha, flanked by several manifestations of Padmasambhava; the lower register is similarly arranged; each emanation of Padmasambhava is surrounded by various deities and attendants; most scenes feature inscriptions, and the margins are painted with various cartouches containing stylised flowers.
Important German private collection of Tibetan art, assembled in the 1980s - Water stains, wear, traces of age and repair