Avalokitesvara Buddha On Moon & Lotus Throne - Thangka

Standing on a moon and lotus throne, Avalokitesvara, with eleven heads and one thousand arms, is the embodiment of limitless compassion for all sentient beings.

Avalokitesvara is radiating an aura of protectors; the garuda, makara, snow lion and nagas surround the central figure, while buddhas, bodhisattvas and dharma protectors, each in their spheres, assemble in deep space.

Avalokitesvara is holding the dharma wheel, a mala, lotus, conch shell, and bow.

Including forty-five detailed paintings of the distinctive dharma protectors, gods and goddesses, the richness of detail suggests the natural abundance reflected to the world by Avalokitesvara.

The depth of color (created by the use of crushed stone and mineral colors) and genuine 24-karat gold powder, make this thangka a modern masterpiece of Tibetan iconography. Dimensions of the thangka painting are 33" x 44".

The technical aspects of creating these sacred works of art are traditional and use the highest quality materials. Fine canvas is stretched on a wooden frame and primed with white ground. The paints are "stone colors" — mineral pigments fixed with water-soluble oils. Twenty-four karat gold powder is mixed with natural glues and applied. Flower dust may also be used. Khadampa thangkas make extensive use of gold as well as rare stones and minerals.

The brocade frame is also significant. During the times of the Silk Road, silk brocade was more precious than gold. Rolls of silk were presented as gifts to spiritual masters and kings. The colors are associated with Buddhism and the radiant spheres of the chakras.

Each of our Thangkas has been framed with fine silk brocade with colors that enhance and compliment the paintings themselves. Wooden dowels on the top and bottom are sewn between the brocade front and red cotton backing fabric. The painting is covered with bright yellow fine silk, patterned with the symbols of auspicious coincidence, which serves as a protective covering when the Thangka is rolled, and a design element, representing an umbrella, when gathered above the painting. Additionally there are two long red silk ribbons, with the endless knot pattern, that are a traditional design element, bestowing honor and preciousness. The dowels are protected by silver end-covers elaborately carved and chased with gold polish.

The use of these Thangkas for promoting peace through cultivating an enlightened state of mind dates back to the period of Kublai Khan. Today, the Khadampa Thangkas we offer are painted in Nepal by members of a Tibetan Newari family with a lineage dating back to the 16th century. Very time consuming to produce, less than 20 scrolls are painted each year.