This rare Mandarin square, made before the 1870s and probably circa the early to mid 19th century, features the five clawed dragon as its rank motif. The use of the five clawed dragon was traditionally restricted to the imperial family, with the forward facing version generally to princes of the second rank and above.
Embroidered on silk gauze using seed stitch (also known as the forbidden stitch, blind stitch, Peki ...click for details
This large thangka, featuring the Medecine Buddha (Bhaisajyaguru) as its central image, flanked on either side by monks also holding medicine bowls. Beneath is a dragon and water, with five primary chorten (stupas) above.
Of the primary chorten, the two top most (depicted as being behind the other three) each have a pair of snow lions facing a double vajra. Of the other three, beneath are depicted a total of seven ...click for details
Approximately 66cm. x 51cm.
I believe that this Thangka is of Shadbhuja Mahakala, the wrathful emanation of Avalokiteshra. A protector, this representation has basic traits and themes in common with Gelupga works I have seen, though the fact that it has been done on leather is unusual. This, with the use of white to outline musculature, may indicate a possible Mongolian origin. Late 19th to mid 20th century.
