Tibetan Tanka, a Buddhist Painting on Silk

Tibetan Tanka, a Buddhist Painting on Silk, Late 18th - Early 19th Century. Framed in dark blue silk, the painted image depicts the seated Buddha in the earth touching mudra (Bhumisparsa mudra - conquering temptation), surrounded by numerous lamas (monks) – all done in natural colors of predominantly reds and greens. All these images are superbly done and float over the principal deities of the underworld, like Yamanataka. Tanka illustrate scenes from Buddhist cosmology and doctrine. They are a prominent features of any Tibetan monastery or temple, and also figure in the Art of the Qing Dynasty since both Manchuria like Mongolia shared roughly the same religious system of Buddhism. An increasingly rare period piece in great condition for its age from a Japanese collection acquired in the 1970’s. L. 52" W. 30", framed size: L. 58 1/2" W. 40 3/8"..