A Thangka Depicting a Refuge Field of Tsong Khapa
Tibet, circa 19th century.

A painting of ground mineral pigment on cotton. "Refuge" is the common word often translated from the Tibetan expression "Tsog Zhing." Lama Tsongpa (1357-1419) was the founder of the Gelupa School of Tibetan Buddhism. In 1409 he established the Ganden Monastery in Lhasa, Tibet which become the principal seat of the school. He is depicted here in his most recognized form, wearing a yellow pandita hat and an orange patchwork of robes of a fully ordained monk. His hands are held in front of his heart in the dharma teaching mudra , delicately holding the stem of two blue utpala flowers blossoming over his shoulders and surrounded by groups of lineage figures. This thangka comes with an exceptionally beautiful Kesi Textile form the late Ming 18th century. It has a blue Dragon panel on the bottom front of the thangka. It's an exceptionally beautiful textile made with a traditional border and comes with large, solid silver pair of Thangtok with the thangka side by side.

See the similar subject in the Sotheby's Indian Himalayan and Southeast Asian Work of Art Catalog, March 16, 2016, Lot No 738

Super rare thangka with this excellent condition and late Ming border of Kesi silk.