Rare Antique Hand Painted Tibetan Thangka Deity Lotus Collectible Art Buddhism

Description

Rare Antique Hand Painted Tibetan Thangka Deity Lotus Collectible Art Buddhism
The deity featured in this beautifully and painstakingly painted thangka is Amaravajra Devi. This somewhat wrathful deity is painted in neutral tones with striking gold accents. There is an amazing level of fine detail on this piece of art that I do believe it took the artist at least a month's time to complete. This is an ultra-rare find and in great condition considering its age. Unfortunately, I do not know the provenance of this exact piece though the wax stamp on the back of the art may be helpful in uncovering it. The wax stamp on the back reads "Customs P..." and has a stamped symbol and character.
Dimensions:
31" tall
23.5" long
About the featured deity:
Amaravajra Devi is a long-life deity arising from the Chakrasmcvara cycle of Tantras. She is slightly wrathful, white in color, with eight faces and sixteen hands. Amaravajra Devi also belongs to the set of "Thirteen Golden Dharmas" of the Sakya tradition and included in the large compendium of deity practices "Rinjung Gyatso" composed by Jonang Taranata.
More information on how thangkas are crafted:
Much more than a mere object of aesthetic value, a thangka is a part of practiced religion. Originally painted by lamas or Buddhist priests, over the years, thangkas came to be made by lay painters. They underwent rigorous training in the traditional art, and worked with the guidance of lamas. In India’s northeastern state of Sikkim, Buddhism is a major presence. The thangka is very much a part of Sikkimese Buddhism and it is painted in the traditional Tibetan style.
A thangka could depict a deity, a mandala, or a spiritually significant event from the life of a Buddhist master. While thangkas are also painted now for sale, they are an integral to practiced Buddhism.
The making of a thangka is a long and painstaking process. It starts with preparation of the canvas which must be well stretched and smoothened. The outline and composition of the deity are made, according to set guidelines, first in pencil and then with a fine brush; colors are later painted in.
The thangka is seen as a visual representation of a spiritual reality. The artist's role, consequently, is that of a medium, and the drawing of the figures as well as the composition must be in accordance with strict guidelines. Stance, gesture, mood and color -- all have great significance in Buddhist art.
The outline of the deity is first drawn in the prepared canvas in pencil or charcoal. The drawing needs to be exactly as per iconic grids. Students of the artform start with simpler forms, learning the basic proportions of the Buddha's head and body. As they become more skilled, they go on to more complex forms.
Besides the main deity, there are also rules for the rest of the composition. There is significance and symbolism in what goes into a thangka.
A fine thangka can take months to complete.
Questions, comments, or concerns? Feel free to message me.
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