A THANGKA DEPICTING SHRI DEVI CHINA, QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

the wrathful protectress astride a mule with serpent reins within a fiery halo, galloping through a roiling lake of blood, with three bloodshot eyes and gaping mouth, holding a danda in the raised right hand and a kapala in the left, wearing the five-pointed crown, the six bone ornaments, a flayed human skin across the shoulders, a garland of severed heads and a tiger skin around the waist, with the divination dice and the bag of diseases, surrounded by a retinue of fierce goddesses atop animal mounts, Tsong Khapa at center in upper register, with the wrathful offerings of the six senses in the lower register, framed in a textile mount

Mathias Komor, New York, 23rd April 1969; thence by descent.

Surface abrasions and accretion overall, with scattered small areas of creasing. Framed in a textile mount.
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.

Shri Devi in her current manifestation is a Tibetan form of an ancient Indian goddess. She was worshipped in pre-Buddhist Tibet to cure and suppress the spread of disease. Her practice was later absorbed by Tibetan Buddhists and she was reincorporated as a protectress of the Buddhist faith.

Shri Devi is the only female amongst the dharmapala or sworn protectors of Buddhism. She is the special protectress of the Dalai and Panchen Lamas and the guardian of Lhasa, and is widely popular throughout Tibet, Mongolia and China. This detailed and animated thangka was created at the court of the Qianlong emperor (1736-1795) at a time of great fervor for Tibetan Buddhism.