20th-Century Nepali Thangka Gouache Painting on Paper of Yab-Yum Scene
Item Details
A 20th-century Nepali thangka gouache painting on paper of Yab-yum scene. Yab-yum (Tibetan meaning “father-mother”) is a sexual embrace representing the primordial union of compassion (the male element) and insight (the female) in Buddhist iconography. He holds a ghanta and a vajra, which translates as “thunderbolt” or “diamond” and symbolizes the male aspect of enlightenment, compassion and skillful means. The ghanta represents the feminine principle of enlightenment, wisdom. There is a hand-written informational label and receipt stating ‘This thangka was purchase in Nepal in Lalitpur’ are included. The work is mounted onto floral patterned fabric in deep blue, green and burgundy with gilt threats. To the upper area, a decorative green silk cover with wood pulls and burgundy ribbons. Unsigned.
Condition
- minor pulled threads from fabric; minuscule paint loss throughout the composition; minor warping to paper.
Dimensions
- measures unrolled thangka; image size measures 15.25" W x 19.75" H.
Item #
17BAL109-037
