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Thang-kha: Eleven-headed One Thousand-armed Avalokitesvara
Tibetan
17th or 18th century
Object Place: Tibet
Medium/Technique
Distemper on cotton
Dimensions
81 x 134 cm (31 7/8 x 52 3/4 in.)
Credit Line
Keith McLeod Fund
Accession Number1984.419
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAsia
ClassificationsPaintings
DescriptionPainting without decorative borders, was once in hanging scroll format.
Eleven-headed One Thousand-Armed Avalokitesvara. Gouache on cotton.
In this horizontal-formatted thangka, the Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva stands in front of a temple in the center of the painting, with a thousand arms spreading out, forming a mandala around his body. On the left sits the Amitabha Buddha of the West Land, being depicted with his hands in the dhyana mudra and dressed in brownish yellow- and saffron-dyed kasaya. His red skin and dark blue hair are also characteristic in Himalayan depiction of Amitabha. On the right sits Green Tara with elaborate headdress. As the savior-goddess of compassion who represents viruous and enlightened action, Tara is depicted in a posture at ease and readiness for action. Her left leg is folded in the contemplative position while her right leg is slightly outstretched, preparing for action. Other bodhisattvas and disciples in this image are all carried by auspicious clouds, and each has a throne. However only the three largest images and the four standing bodhisattvas below the center Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva are depicted each on a lotus seat.
Eleven-headed One Thousand-Armed Avalokitesvara. Gouache on cotton.
In this horizontal-formatted thangka, the Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva stands in front of a temple in the center of the painting, with a thousand arms spreading out, forming a mandala around his body. On the left sits the Amitabha Buddha of the West Land, being depicted with his hands in the dhyana mudra and dressed in brownish yellow- and saffron-dyed kasaya. His red skin and dark blue hair are also characteristic in Himalayan depiction of Amitabha. On the right sits Green Tara with elaborate headdress. As the savior-goddess of compassion who represents viruous and enlightened action, Tara is depicted in a posture at ease and readiness for action. Her left leg is folded in the contemplative position while her right leg is slightly outstretched, preparing for action. Other bodhisattvas and disciples in this image are all carried by auspicious clouds, and each has a throne. However only the three largest images and the four standing bodhisattvas below the center Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva are depicted each on a lotus seat.
Provenance1984, Barkley Roy McLaughlin, Tuscon, AZ; 1984, sold by McLaughlin to the MFA (Accession Date: September 12, 1984)