NOT SOLD. A rare Tibetan thangka of a ten-armed and four headed Manjushri, Namasangiti. Late 18th-early 19th century. 70 x 46 cm.

899/290

A rare Tibetan thangka of a ten-armed and four headed Manjushri, Namasangiti. He is seated in dhyanasana on a lotus throne, the four right hands holding a flaming sword, an arrow, a vajra, the four left hands holding a lotus flower, a bow, a lasso and a flaming trident. The central hands are in the dharmachakra mudra. On his lap a red deity or consort is seated. Below two rows of various forms of Manjushri and protectors. Among these two donor couples making offerings. Above him several Buddhas. The thangka is consecrated. Verso with two imprints of hands and a seal's mark, probably owner's mark. Late 18th-early 19th century. 70×46 cm.

Provenance: Danish private collection.

The four-headed Manjushri is surrounded by many other forms of this buddha. This form of the buddha Manjushri is known as Dharmadhatu Vagishvara, Lord of Speech that is the Space of all Things. The source is the tantric scripture Manjushri Nama Sangiti, which was proclaimed by Shakyamuni, the historical Buddha. The purpose is for unfolding the knowledge that sees the nature of things and mind, directly and without filters of any kind. This knowledge is depicted in an anthropomorphic form as a skillful means so we can more easily identify with it. In the bottom level of the thangka is a mantra in devanagri script. On the back are two handprints and the three syllables om, ah and hung - for consecrating the main figure to represent enlightened form, voice and mind. Handprints on the back of a thangka are very rare and only made by masters who have a deep level of realization, meaning that the nature of their own mind is seen directly and almost constantly as being identical with a buddha, not in form but in essence.

Erik Pema Kunsang, 2020

Condition

Wear due to age and use, scratches, minor holes, stains and heavy wear of decoration on one corner/side. Brocade probably original with wear and some holes.

Additional Remarks

The submission of bids on this lot number requires the prior registration of a valid debit/credit card, presentation of photo ID and the payment of a deposit of 50.000 DKK on request. Registration of debit/credit card, photo ID and deposit is due no later than Friday 27 November.

Please contact Bruun Rasmussen regarding this via email: bids@bruun-rasmussen.dk or tel.: +45 8818 1013.

Auction

Asian & Islamic art, 2 December 2020