18th–19th Century Large Sino-Tibetan Thangka of Avalokiteshvara With Dragons and Buddhist Deities

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A large and richly detailed Tibetan or Sino-Tibetan Buddhist thangka, probably late 18th to 19th century, depicting a crowned Avalokiteshvara … Read more A large and richly detailed Tibetan or Sino-Tibetan Buddhist thangka, probably late 18th to 19th century, depicting a crowned Avalokiteshvara (Lokeshvara) seated at center within an elaborate gilt aureole. The bodhisattva is surrounded by attendant Buddhist figures and a wrathful protector, with paired dragons, cloud formations, floral motifs, and a dramatic mythical creature mask above. Executed in polychrome pigments with extensive gilt and raised decorative work on prepared textile, the composition displays a strong synthesis of Tibetan Buddhist iconography and Chinese decorative influence characteristic of Sino-Tibetan artistic traditions. The reverse bears numerous Tibetan inscriptions, apparently including consecratory or devotional inscriptions associated with the sacred figures. See less