Lot 551 Dα

A Tibetan thangka of the six-armed Mahakala. 18th/19th century

The wrathful and blue-hued dharmapala standing in alidhasana over a prostrate ganapati, his radiating arms wielding a skull-mala, drum, trident and lasso, adorned with a garland of severed heads, surrounded by his five principle attendant deities, the red Takkiraja, the black Jinamitraby, Trakshe, the lord of demons, riding a black horse, Kshetrapala riding a bear and Shri Devi riding a mule, amongst others. In the upper register Vajradhara is flanked by Tilopa and Naropa and further mahasiddhas in the clouds. Below the Mahakala are the guardians of the four directions and other protector deities. Gouache and gold on cloth. Brocade mounting. The reverse covered with silk. Losses of pigments, wear.
69.5 x 51 cm