Old Tibetan thangka 'White Tara'. Circa 1950–1970 - Tibet - 1950-1970

White Tara Thangka (Sitatārā) Tibetan/Himalayan Buddhist art Circa 1950–1970 Technique: Pigments on fabric Mounting: Painting mounted on a traditional silk/brocade textile structure Iconography: White Tara (Sitatārā / Drolma Karpo) Dimensions: 102 x 65 cm Ancient Buddhist thangka depicting White Tara (Sitatārā), one of the principal female manifestations of Vajrayāna Buddhism, especially related to longevity and well-being practices. The divinity appears enthroned in a meditative posture, richly adorned with jewels and garments in vivid colors. Her identification is determined especially by the presence of the characteristic seven eyes of wisdom: the three on the face, including the third situated on the forehead, and additional eyes represented on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. This arrangement constitutes one of White Tara’s main iconographic attributes. The composition presents a rich symbolic scenography organized around the main figure. Tara is surrounded by clouds, flowers, animals, and fantastical creatures, while in the lower zone two equestrian figures bearing ritual elements or blazing offerings are arranged. In the lower axis there is also a elaborate circular motif resembling a jewel or auspicious emblem, set over a watery landscape. At the top two confronted tigers appear, and around Tara various creatures and figures enrich a composition with a markedly ritual and protective character. The painting preserves an attractive color range dominated by turquoise, blues, greens, pinks, reds, and gold tones, with drawing executed by a fine dark outline. It remains with its ample traditional textile mounting, composed of different ornamental fabrics in black and pink tones. Condition Condition consistent with its age, showing wear, small pigment losses, abrades, creases, and occasional deterioration both on the painted surface and on the textile mounting. There is a break/opening in the back fabric. See photographs.

Estimate:$1.12

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