SILK PAINTED THANGKA OF MAHAKALA, Tibet - Nepal, 19th / 20th century

The painting, which retains its cloth frame, depicts the dharmapala Mahakala or Great Black in his Legden (Excellent) form. The deity is depicted irate, blue-black, with a terrifying three-eyed face. With both hands he holds a sandalwood staff with an iron point that he presses into the ground. 

He wears a heavy cloak and regal robes, he fits felt boots. He is adorned with a crown of five skulls, earrings, necklaces and the like. 

Provenance: Private collection, Italy

Catalogue notes: Mahakala is considered the main wisdom protector of Himalayan and Tibetan Buddhism. In some cases, he may also be a meditative deity (ishtadevata) in the highest Anuttarayoga Tantras.