A Rare and Important Thangka Depicting Sachen Kunga Nyingpo

Originally acquired in the 1960s, thence by descent

The paint layer in stable condition with a fine craquelure and overall in exceptionally good condition for the period, with UV-fluorescence examination confirming the original and un-restored condition; minor creasing and losses throughout as seen in catalogue illustration; an oil stain next to the proper right eye; water runs through the yellow robe of the central figure extending down to the altar table beneath; sew holes from the original mounting in the upper and lower borders.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Sachen Kunga Nyingpo, the first of the Five Great Sakya Masters, was born into the founding family of Sakya Monastery in Ü-Tsang, Central Tibet in 1092. The third Sakya tridzin or throne holder, Sachen (“The Great Sakya”) inherited his position and spiritual authority from the his father Khön Konchok Gyalpo, the founder of Sakya Monastery and the first tridzin, as well as his regent the second tridzin, Bari Lotsawa Rinchen Drag.

Under the tutelage of Lama Shangton Chobar, Sachen Kunga Nyingpo received the Lamdre oral instructions and integrated this practice into the Sakya tradition; since this time, the Lamdre teachings have become a Sakya hallmark and specialization. Sachen also wrote many well-known treatises and commentaries on Sakya lineage texts, and was celebrated for his accomplishments in learning and realization. Sachen devoted his life to study, intensive mediation retreat, and the transmission of the tantrayana teachings to his many worthy disciples, including his sons Sonam Tsemo and Drakpa Gyaltsen, who would become the next generation of Sakya patriarchs and tridzins.

Because of Sachen Kunga Nyingpo’s legacy and significance, the current portrait is perhaps the finest and certainly the most elaborate and highly embellished thangka in the larger extant Lamdre set from Ngor Monastery illustrating the lineage of Sakya hierarchs. Rich with symbolism, the individual iconographic elements of this portrait demarcate Sachen’s eminent status as the one of the progenitors of the Sakya Lamdre. For further discussion on the Sakya Lamdre tradition, see the catalogue essay for lot 242, A Thangka Depicting Four Hierarchs of the Sakya Lamdre Lineage, also featuring Sachen Kunga Nyingpo.  

Most notable and distinctive from among the larger set is the vivid use of yellow and gold in the Sachen thangka, compared to the dominant oranges, blues and reds of the other works. Note the significant placement of the two flaming eight-spoke chakras or wheels of dharma—the Buddhist symbol of a universal monarch—at the right and left vertical attributes at Sachen’s eyelevel. The elaborate golden arabesque patterning and the Garuda finial along the top of the aureole at the upper register are unique to the portrait of Sachen. The flaming aureole surrounding his head is also the only one from among the set to be adorned with wish-fulfilling jewels—another symbol of a universal monarch—along the outer border.

Sachen–a layman, as is common in the Sakya tradition–is typically depicted in a yellow robe, yet note in the current work the delicate cloud pattern of textured silk of the pale yellow robe, the sophistication of the complementary violet lining, and the rich embroidery heightened with gold on the navy silk inner robe and maroon border.

Also unique to Sachen’s portrait, and indicative of his supreme position from among the larger set, is the elaborate offering table adorned with jewels below Sachen’s lotus throne, presenting the offerings of the five senses—from left to right, a flower (touch); incense (smell); a mirror (sight); a conch shell (sound); and a bowl of peaches (taste) which symbolize immortality. 

Compare the current work with the Ngor lama portraits from the same set, such as Portrait of a High Sakya Lama sold at Sotheby’s New York in 1994 (see detail below) and Mahasiddha Avadhutipa on the following pages (lot 239). All of the known works from the Ngor Lamdre painting set share defining characteristics: red borders heightened with gold floral patterning; the bold primary color palette; the placement of the central figure; the triple mandorla behind the head and body of the central figure; throne elements and attributes; the assembly of meditational deities, Indian adepts and mahasiddhas and Sakya lineage holders along the upper, lower and side registers of each painting; the four line inscriptions at the bottom register; and the verso inscription of prayers and mantras.

The four line inscription along the bottom register of the present work can be freely translated as such:

Homage to Sakyapa Kunga Nyingpo, the mighty lord of Yoga, who always acts for the welfare of others since he is endowed with great compassion!

We pay homage to and seek refuge in the assembly of deities, headed by the lineage of vajra masters, belonging to the tradition of the master Dombi Heruka. May we be taken into their following at all times!

Let there be good auspices!