Tibet, c. 1900. Impressively painted with tempera on cloth. The vivid thangka depicts Tibet's protector, Palden Lhamo (a Tibetan form of the ancient Indian deity Shridevi), encircled by her entourage, riding her mule through a sea of blood. Palden Lhamo's name means 'Glorious Goddess'. A myth surrounding this goddess tells of how, moved by compassion for sentient beings, she threatened to kill her own son if her husband would not cease from performing human sacrifices. Forced to carry out her ultimatum, she used her son's flayed skin as a saddle whilst fleeing the kingdom. Mounted and the roller ends of brass.
Condition: Good overall condition with losses to painting, crackling, creases, minor touch-ups – all as visible in the images provided. Some soiling to the mounting. One of the roller ends slightly loose. Provenance: Austrian private collection.
Dimensions: Total size 119.5 x 76 cm, image only 65.5 x 45.5 cm