† A LARGE THANGKA OF CHAKRASAMVARA WITH VAJRAYOGINI,... Lot n° 37

† A LARGE THANGKA OF CHAKRASAMVARA WITH VAJRAYOGINI, 19TH CENTURY Tibet. Distemper and gold paint on cloth. Finely painted, the central deity in union with his consort and standing in alidhasana on a pedestal, framed by a mandorla, trampling supine figures underfoot. The yidam with four heads and twelve arms rendered in blue, red, white, and yellow, holds a vajra and bell in his primary hands, crossing and embracing Vajrayogini, the secondary arms with weapons and ritual instruments radiate evenly around the couple. Multicolored jewels are offered to the deities by monks, depicted in the bottom-center, all surrounded by multicolored dancing dakinis to the top register, and kings and wrathful deities to the bottom register. Provenance: Acquired by the father of the present owner in Tibet around 1970 and thence by descent. Condition: Good condition with old wear, some soiling, fading, and few creases and folds. Two parts stitched together. Size: 119 x 119 cm This powerful depiction of Chakrasamvara embracing his yogini consort Vajrayogini or Vajravarahi is a highly energized visualization, such as would have been experienced by an advanced tantric master. These are key deities in the Vajrayana system, uniting two of the most powerful ideas in esoteric Buddhism, wisdom, embodied in Vajravarahi, and compassion, the essence of Chakrasamvara. His name, which translates as Circle of Bliss, embodies the powerful union of these two fundamental tenets of Buddhism. During Tantric meditation the union of these two principles is used to generate enlightened states of mind. Auction result comparison: Type: Related Auction: Christie’s New York, 23 March 1999, lot 172 Price: USD 4,370 or approx. EUR 7,700 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: A large thanka of Chakrasamvara, Central Tibet, 18th century Expert remark: Compare the related manner of painting, similar subject, and dancing dakinis. Note the smaller size (96 x 65 cm). Auction result comparison: Type: Related Auction: Sotheby’s New York, 20 March 2013, lot 251 Price: USD 3,750 or approx. EUR 4,700 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: A thangka depicting Chakrasamvara Expert remark: Compare the related manner of painting and subject. 13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium - only for buyers within the EU.