A SILK EMBROIDERED THANGKA OF GANDHAVAJRA QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

the goddess of the senses depicted in yellow with her right hand holding a shell emanating vapours, possibly perfumes, dancing in front of a petal-shaped mandorla on a lotus base issuing from the scrolling vine, all below animal heads linked by beaded garlands, all finely woven and embroided in multi-coloured silk and gold, framed and glazed

The thangka is in overall good condition. There are some losses of the orange-red threads on the mask figures along the top as visible in the catalogue photo as well as occasional minor stains to the fabric. The pigments have otherwise been fairly well preserved and the colours are fresh and attractive. It is a fragment from a larger hanging textile depicting the five dancing goddesses of the senses and possible other deities (see catalogue note for further information). It is now framed and glazed and in an overall excellent presentation state.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The present thangka is a fragment from a larger hanging textile depicting the five dancing goddesses of the senses and possibly other deities. Wang Jiaqing in Cultural Relics of Tibetan Buddhism Collected in the Qing Palace, Beijing, 1992, p. 15, asserts that embroidered thangkas were ordered by the Palace from Suzhou, south of the Yangzi river, and were highly valued at the Qing court. Compare a similar thangka sold in these rooms, 7th April 2015, lot 3625.