Antique Thangka - Shakyamuni Mandala with Long-Life Deities and Gelug Masters

An exceptionally finely painted mandala in deep lapis blue, turquoise, and vermilion, its background interwoven with dense, gold-colored fine detailing. At the center sits Buddha Shakyamuni, with a golden body and a blue alms bowl, flanked by two standing monk figures holding walking sticks; surrounding him is a circle of disciple figures, enclosed by a rainbow ring.

The square palace layout, with its four gates, is set against a green mountain landscape featuring waterfalls, monastery buildings, and animals, and is framed on the outside by a band of waves, a golden ring of vines, and a black vajra band. In the upper section of the image appear the three deities of long life—Amitayus, White Tara, and Ushnishavijaya—as well as groups of teachers wearing the yellow pandita hats of the Gelug tradition; the lower zone shows, on the left, the yellow Jambhala, who is traditionally associated with prosperity and generosity; on the right, a pale wrathful figure with a raised sword; and between them, an offering arrangement featuring a treasure vase and a lotus.

The painting is executed on primed cotton without a traditional brocade backing and is presented in a simple, gold-colored wooden frame with a salmon-colored mat. It is in very good condition; the paint layer is intact, with no visible losses.

Provenance: Private collection in Switzerland

Viewable dimensions: 68 × 49 cm · Support: 76 × 56 cm · Framed: 80 × 60 cm · Hand-painted on primed cotton · Gold leaf applied · Himalaya Room, probably the 1990s