Thangkas with a dark background like this one form a special category of contemplative paintings. They are a highly mystical and esoteric type, usually reserved for advanced practise. Black is the color of hate, transmuted by the alchemy of wisdom into the ultimate-reality-perfection wisdom. The dark connotes death, which enlightenment converts into the Body of Truth. It is used for terrific ritual actions, the radical conquest of evil in all its forms-conquest not by annihilating, but by turning even evil into good. Thus, in the black paintings (Tib. Nagtang) the dark ground casts forth deities in luminous visions of translucent color.
This complex and unusual painting centers on Shakyamuni and his two great disciples, Shariputra and maudgalyayana, who are famous for their intellectual and mystical powers respectively.
The large figure of Shakyamuni dominates the scene. He sits crossed-legged, making the earth-witness gesture and holding a monk's bowl whose white center creates a strong visual focus. Seated on an elaborately ornamented and beautifully decorated throne, and surrounded by a highly complex and almost surreal halo, he seems to emerge as a beautiful golden figure with a broadly proportioned body, round face, and full, curved shoulders with slim arms.
The topmost layer of the painting is inhabited by three Buddha images in various postures. At the top left most is shown the Buddha with his right hand in the Vitarka mudra, or the gesture of reasoning and explanation. In his left hand he holds the begging bowl.
The central Buddha holds his hands in the dhyana mudra, holding a treasure vase.
Finally at the right most corner is shown the Buddha in the dharmachakra mudra, the gesture exhibited by Lord Buddha, when giving his first sermon at Sarnath.
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This description by Nitin Kumar, Executive Editor, Exotic India.
References:
Beer, Robert. The Encyclopedia of Tibetan Symbols and Motifs. Boston: Shambhala Publications, 1999.
Chakraverty, Anjan. Sacred Buddhist Painting. New Delhi: Roli Books, 1998
Fisher, Robert E. Art of Tibet. London: Thames and Hudson, 1997.
Getty, Alice. The Gods of Northern Buddhism. New Delhi: Munshiram Manoharlal, 1978.
Lipton, Barbara, and Ragnubs, Nima Dorjee. Treasures of Tibetan Art: Collection of the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art. New York: Oxford University Press, 1996.
Pal, Pratapaditya. Art of Tibet. Los Angeles: The Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 1990.
Rhie, Marylin M. & Thurman, Robert A.F. Wisdom and Compassion: The Sacred Art of Tibet. London: Thames and Hudson, 1996.
Of Related Interest:
Mudras of the Great Buddha: Symbolic Gestures and Postures (Article)
Buddha in the Varada Mudra (Sterling Silver Box Pendant)
Gautam Buddha (Handcrafted Sterling Silver Finger-Ring)
Buddha Seated on The Six-Ornament Throne of Enlightenment (Tibetan Thangka Painting)
The Temptation Of Buddha (Batik Painting)
Buddha (Silk Painting)
Transcendent Buddha (Kalamkari Painting)
Buddha Shakyamuni (Copper Sculpture gilted with 24 Karat Gold)
Buddha, the Universal Teacher (Brass Statue)
Emaciated Buddha (Grey Stone Sculpture)
Meditating Buddha (Wood Sculpture)
Four Headed Buddha Bust (Green Stone)
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