A FINE GUHAYASAMAJA MANDALA Tibet, 15th c. 58... Lot 18

A FINE GUHAYASAMAJA MANDALA Tibet, 15th c. 58 x 48 cm (72,5 x 60,5 cm) R. This fine mandala is dedicated to the central initiation deity Guhyasamaja-Akshobhyavajra, who personifies the tantra doctrine of "Hidden Unification" or "Secret Assembly". The Guhyasamaja is the oldest tantra of Diamond Buddhism and was also fundamental to the formation of the mandala in general. As the essence of Buddha wisdom, this yidam (personal protective deity) belongs to the Four Highest Yoga Tantra classes. The painting showing a lotus dais with a square at its centre depicting Guhyasamaja in the central cartouche surrounded by eight other cartouches with each a deity, the triple circular band around the square containing various deities, the whole placed within a pavilion with a gate at each side, surrounded by several circular bands including one of scrolling tendrils, one containing lotus petals, one with the eight ‘cemetery’ scenes and the last with different coloured flames, around these are placed various deities including Manjugosha, Manjusri, Kurukulla and Sarvabuddhadakini, the upper register with Vajradhara, Sarvabuddhadakini, several mahasiddhas and Saskyapa pandits and the lower section with various deities including the protective deities Jambhala, Panjaramahakala and Shri Devi, the reverse with an inscription in the Vartula script, framed and glazed. From an important German private collection, acquired at Koller Zurich, 24 May 1994, lot 48, illus. plate 9 Stylistically, this mandala belongs to the 15th century, a particularly fertile and qualitatively important period for Tibetan mandala painting. The mandala, rich in figures and decoration, is in good condition and has only been minimally restored