A THANGKA DEPICTING SHADBHUJA MAHAKALA

A THANGKA DEPICTING SHADBHUJA MAHAKALA
Tibet, 19th to mid-20th century. Distemper and gold on cloth. Finely painted, the six-armed deity depicted in a striding pose, trampling upon Ganapati, surrounded by a mass of blazing flames. He holds various attributes in his hands, including a vajra, a skull cup, a damaru, and an outstretched elephant skin. He bears a fearsome expression on his face, and he wears a garland of skulls and a tiger skin around his waist.
Provenance:
From an Austrian private collection.
Condition:
Very good condition with minor wear, light fading, minimal soiling, and minor fraying to edges.
Dimensions: 62 x 86.5 cm
The upper and lower registers with wrathful deities including Mahakala and Palden Lhamo, centered at the top by the Mahasiddha Saraha holding an arrow. All within a verdant landscape with colorful swirling clouds.
Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Christie's London, 12 May 2015, lot 126
Price: GBP 11,250 or approx.
EUR 15,500
converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A thangka depicting Shadbhuja Mahakala, 18th-19th century
Expert remark: Compare the closely related subject with similar pose and attributes. Note the size (64 x 95 cm).