Polychrome paint on linen, silk
Tibet, 17th to early 20th century
Variously decorated depicting the lives of Buddha, Bodhisattvas and Lamas, one with stupas
Each typically decorated with a central figure surrounded by further ornaments
Fine painting
Some with bright colors
Dimensions: 51-125 x 34.5-75 cm (height x width)
Visually appealing condition, some showing signs of great age
Provenance: from a Belgian private collection
Thangka compilation with detailed motifs

This collection contains eight Buddhist Thangka made in Tibet between the 17th and the early 20th century. Each thangka shows clear forms and colors, following the strict iconographic guidelines. They picture different representations such as Taras, Tsongkhapa, Padmasambhava, various Lama, stupas and other deities. Each central figure or stupa is surrounded by further ornaments and is rendered amidst a scenic environment. The paintings are finely rendered and show partly soft colors.



The eight thangka have partly floral, ornate frames of linen or silk. Two thangka can be covered by a silk protector and one work shows a Tibetan inscription on the back.



The Thangka are in visually appealing condition with distinct signs of wear consistent with age. Stains, restoration, cracks, loss of material, creases and water stains are visible. The height varies between 51 and 125 cm and the width from 34.5 to 75 cm.



Thangka

A Thangka (Tibetan: ka thang, thang ga) is a scroll painting of Tantric Buddhism. It is used by meditation in temples or at home shrines and processions. Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, guardian deities, Arhats, various lamas, ascetics and Pandits was portrayed in scenes of her life in various incarnations. Often there are mandalas with the wheel of life schools and traditions. Thangkas are created by well-defined iconographic rules (in terms of body shape, dress and attitude of the sitter), and are particularly common in Tibet.