A remarkably detailed Tibetan thangka depicting the Bhavacakra, or Wheel of Life, one of Tibetan Buddhism’s most compelling visual representations of the cycle of existence. The great figure of Yama, Lord of Death and impermanence, grasps the wheel in his hands and jaws, while its concentric circles illustrate the forces that bind beings to samsara.
At the center, the rooster, snake and pig symbolize desire, anger and ignorance. Around them unfold the realms of rebirth and an extraordinary succession of narrative scenes illustrating the twelve links of dependent origination. In the upper corner, the Buddha points beyond the wheel toward liberation.
Note the tiger pelt spread beneath the wheel, its striped body, paws and claws dramatically rendered across the lower edge. A recurring element in Tibetan Buddhist imagery, the tiger skin is associated with the mastery of fierce and instinctual forces and adds another powerful visual layer to the composition.
Finely painted with an unusually rich array of miniature figures, architecture, animals and mountainous landscapes in shades of turquoise, blue-green, coral, red, ochre and black. The painting retains its traditional deep indigo silk brocade mounting with a vivid red inner surround and orange suspension ribbons.
Size: 2' x 2'9" [61cm x 84cm]
Age: 1st half 20th century
Origin: Tibet
Type of Textile: Thangka
Material: Paint, canvas cloth, silk
Condition: Good, canvas is creased in several areas and there is some wear to the image
TX714
