Red Dakini

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Name: Red Dakini
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ZE29
Price: 195.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$224

Includes any tariffs and taxes

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Specifications

	ZE29
	Tibetan Buddhist Thangka Painting (Newari Style - With Silk Brocade)
	17 x 24

Delivery and Return Policies

	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
	Free Delivery

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Return within 7 days of
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Fully Insured

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100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

About This Thangka

This stunning Tibetan Buddhist Thangka painting, rendered in the intricate Newari style and embellished with a beautiful silk brocade, captures the vibrant energy and profound symbolism of a powerful feminine deity. The painting, with its size of 17 x 24 inches, is ideal for creating a focal point for meditation, reflection, or simply to bring a touch of sacred art into your home or office. Its detailed artistry and vibrant colors make it a captivating piece that is sure to draw the eye and stir the spirit.

The Realm of the Dakini

Dakinis hold a place of great importance within the Vajrayana Buddhist tradition. Often referred to as "sky dancers" or "space walkers," they are understood to be dynamic, energetic representations of enlightened activity. They are not mere goddesses in the conventional sense, but rather embodiments of wisdom, energy, and compassion. Dakinis represent the feminine principle of wisdom and skillful means that is essential for the path to enlightenment. The fiery color of the central figure in this painting is suggestive of potent transmutation, hinting at the ability to transform ordinary experiences into pathways of awakening. In essence, the Dakini embodies both the challenge and the reward of the spiritual path. The power and grace of a Dakini is said to arise from the realization of emptiness.

The Newari Tradition

The Newar people, the indigenous inhabitants of the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal, have a rich and ancient artistic tradition that profoundly influenced Tibetan art. The Newari style is characterized by its fine detail, intricate compositions, and the use of vibrant colors and embellishments. Newari artists were highly sought after by Tibetan monasteries and played a crucial role in the creation of many of the most important Thangka paintings. This Thangka painting is a testament to the skill and artistry of the Newari tradition, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail that are hallmarks of this style. The addition of the silk brocade surrounding the painted image is a signature feature of Thangkas, adding to the visual richness and providing a protective frame for the sacred image.

A Tool for Transformation

Thangka paintings are not simply decorative objects, but rather powerful tools for spiritual practice. They are designed to inspire reflection, deepen understanding, and ultimately facilitate the process of transformation. By contemplating the images and symbols depicted in this Thangka, the practitioner can connect with the energy and wisdom of the represented deity and cultivate the qualities of compassion, wisdom, and clarity within themselves. This beautiful and meticulously crafted Thangka offers a window into the profound depths of Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and a tangible connection to an ancient and vibrant spiritual tradition.

Unveiling the Divine Art: Journey into the Making of Thangkas

A Thangka is a traditional Tibetan Buddhist painting that usually depicts a Buddhist Deity (Buddha or Bodhisattva), a scene, or a mandala. These paintings are considered important paraphernalia in Buddhist rituals. They are used to teach the life of the Buddha, various lamas, and Bodhisattvas to the monastic students, and are also useful in visualizing the deity while meditating. One of the most important subjects of thangkas is the Bhavacakra (the wheel of life) which depicts the Art of Enlightenment. It is believed that Thangka paintings were developed over the centuries from the murals, of which only a few can be seen in the Ajanta caves in India and the Mogao caves in Gansu Province, Tibet. Thangkas are painted on cotton or silk applique and are usually small in size. The artist of these paintings is highly trained and has a proper understanding of Buddhist philosophy, knowledge, and background to create a realistic and bona fide painting.

The process of making a thangka begins with stitching a loosely woven cotton fabric onto a wooden frame. Traditionally, the canvas was prepared by coating it with gesso, chalk, and base pigment.

After this, the outline of the form of the deity is sketched with a pencil or charcoal onto the canvas using iconographic grids. The drawing process is followed in accordance with strict guidelines laid out in Buddhist scriptures. The systematic grid helps the artist to make a geometrical and professional painting. When the drawing of the figures is finalized and adjusted, it is then outlined with black ink.

Earlier, a special paint of different colors was made by mixing powdered forms of organic (vegetable) and mineral pigments in a water-soluble adhesive. Nowadays, artists use acrylic paints instead. The colors are now applied to the sketch using the wet and dry brush techniques. One of the characteristic features of a thangka is the use of vibrant colors such as red, blue, black, green, yellow, etc.

In the final step, pure gold is coated over some parts of the thangka to increase its beauty. Due to this beautification, thangkas are much more expensive and also stand out from other ordinary paintings.

Thangka paintings are generally kept unrolled when not on display on the wall. They also come with a frame, a silken cover in front, and a textile backing to protect the painting from getting damaged. Because Thangkas are delicate in nature, they are recommended to be kept in places with no excess moisture and where there is not much exposure to sunlight. This makes them last a long time without their colors fading away. Painting a thangka is an elaborate and complex process and requires excellent skills. A skilled artist can take up to 6 months to complete a detailed thangka painting. In earlier times, thangka painters were lamas that spent many years on Buddhist studies before they painted.

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