Tibet, late 19th to early 20th c. CE. An embroidered silk thangka painstakingly created with a very fine "Dazi" stitch (also called "Forbidden Stitch" or "Blind Stitch") depicting Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion and principle patron deity of Tibet, in the center, Manjushri, the God of Supreme Wisdom on the lower left, and Vajrapani, protector and guide to Gautama Buddha on the lower right. A breathtaking composition mounted on a golden silk mat. Size: 34.5" L x 24.75" W (87.6 cm x 62.9 cm); 38" L x 28" W (96.5 cm x 71.1 cm) on silk mat

The Dazi (Forbidden Stitch or Blind Stitch) refers to the knotted stitches used in conjunction with satin stitches that were reserved for the most exquisite, finely crafted silk costumes, robes, and rank badges. One romantic legend offers that the alternative term Blind Stitch arose because embroidering with this stitch gave young girls eye strain due to its fineness and intricacy. Whether called the Dazi stitch, the Forbidden Stitch, or the Blind Stitch, these all involve making small knots on the fabric surface by wrapping a heavy embroidery thread, typically silk floss, around a needle and then stitching it down. Embroiderers have done this with varying numbers of wrappings and a wide range of complexity. According to expert Wang Yarong, more than twenty varieties of knot stitch can be found throughout history, in East Asia alone. Apparently, early relics of this stitch have been found in an Eastern Han tomb at Nuoyinwula, Outer Mongolia, and even earlier examples on a pair of silk shoes were discovered in a tomb of the Warring States period in the Linzi, Shandong Province.

More about the rich iconography of this thangka: Avalokiteshvara is depicted as a four-armed Bodhisattva of Compassion. The upper hands hold prayer beads and a lotus blossom; the lower hands are presented in a gesture of prayer, clasping a wish-fulfilling jewel to his heart. This jewel symbolizes what is known as bodhicitta, an altruistic penchant to save all beings from suffering. He also holds a deer. This particular deer whose skin Avalokiteshvara eventually wore, symbolized a bodhisattva manifesting as a deer who sacrificed his life for the benefit of all living beings.

Vajrapani, a wrathful deity who embodies the power of the Buddhas, is deep blue in color and puts forth a frightening countenance with bulging eyes, sharp fangs, and fiery hair that actually stands on end. In one hand he holds a vajra, the attribute that gives him his name which means "vajra in hand." Vajrapani's threatening ferocity provides believers with comfort, as he is the supreme protector of Buddhism. At the same time it terrifies demons who pursue evil ways and seek to harm living creatures and obstruct their paths to salvation.

Manjushri, the God of Supreme Wisdom, holds the Book of Wisdom and the flaming sword that severs the roots of ignorance and misery. Manjushri is a semi-peaceful deity and sits upon a lunar disc on a lotus throne. Together this revered trio of deities - Avalokiteshvara, Vajrapani, and Manjushri - are the great protectors (in Tibetan: rig sum gonpo) who represent Compassion, Sacred power, and Wisdom, respectively.

An important example, replete with rich iconography, stunning design, brilliant color, and a rare masterful command of the refined Dazi Stitch.

Provenance: Ex-Bricker Collection

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#119254

Minor fraying to peripheries of silk mat. Otherwise remarkably excellent.