Lot 118
  • 118

An Epic Thangka Depicting a King, Possibly Tri Ralpachen

Estimate
60,000 - 80,000 USD
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Description

  • Distemper on cloth

Provenance

Acquired between 1987—2001

Exhibited

The World of Mandala—Tamashige Tibet Collection, Okura Museum of Art, Tokyo, April 1—June 19, 2005

Literature

The World of Mandala—Tamashige Tibet Collection, Okura Museum of Art, Tokyo, 2005, pp. 42—43, cat. no. 27

Condition

Wear, creasing and losses to pigments overall. Six inch tear as view in upper left quadrant. Two inch tear at upper center near Vajrapani. Water staining and scattered stains overall, most notable in right upper and right lower quadrants. Twelve inch loss to 1/4 inch border at upper right.
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.

Catalogue Note

This very rare large-format narrative thangka depicts the life story of a Tibetan chögyal or king. Although devoid of identifying inscription on verso or recto, it is possible that the chögyal represented at center is Tri Ralpachen (r. 815—838 CE), one the three legendary imperial patrons of early Buddhism in Tibet.

The extraordinary temple at center and the presence of two great bodies of water depicted are highly suggestive of the renowned stone temple Ü Shang built by Ralpachen in Central Tibet at the confluence of the Kyichu and Tsangpo rivers. Tri Ralpachen was also considered an emanation on Vajrapani, whose representation is found at upper center in a flaming mandorla.  

Himalayan Art Resource no. 31233