Thangka (OrientalSelected)

THANGKA, in the centre a Buddha in meditation surrounded by Ratnarcis, Virasena, Ratnagni and Amogadarshin, all identified by their Tibetan names written in gold. On the top a Gelugpa hierarch, presumedly the 7th Dalailama, blo-bzang skal-bzang rgya-mtsho (1708-1757). The thangka may originally have been a part of a set with the 35 Buddhas of Confession, of which the four surrounding Buddhas here depicted represent number 3, 5, 7 and 9 in the series. The painting is set within a frame work, (thang ka´igos sam), of silk damask with a patch, (thang sgo or rtsa ba), of silk brocade. Tibet, late 18/early 19th century, the image 60 x 41 cm. Wear, loss of pigment, damages.