A SET OF THREE EMBROIDERED COMMEMORATIVE THANGKAS REPUBLICAN PERIOD

respectively depicting Panchen Lama Lobsang Palden Yeshe (1663-1780) wearing the yellow cap of the Gelukpas and holding the vase of immortality in his left hand; Tsongkhapa (1357-1419) flanked by his two principal disciples Gyaltsap Dharma Rinchen (1364-1432) and Kedrup Geleg Pal Zangpo (1385-1438); and Yungdron Dorje Pal (1284-1365), the pre-incarnation of the Panchen lamas seated on a tiger skin with the face of Mahakala emerging right from fire and smoke; wood frames

The three thangkas are in generally in good condition. The colours are a little faded due to prolonged exposure to light. The dedication referring them to the official weaving factory in Hangzhou during the Republican period is visible at the bottom of two of them but cannot be seen on the third, indicating that it could be slightly earlier in date. The three pieces are now framed and glazed (and were not inspected outside the frame).
"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 inscription in Tibetan at the bottom of two of the images indicate that these thangkas belong to a larger set woven during the Republican period at the official weaving manufactory in Hangzhou to commemorate the death of the Panchen Lama. They follow an 18th century model produced at Narthang monastery and reproduced widely in xylographic format. See for example a Sakya Pandita woven thangka in the Potala Palace, Lhasa, illustrated in David Jackson, A History of Tibetan Painting, Wien, 1996, p. 237, fig. 118.