Tibet - 20th century

For sale is a color-rich and expressive Tibetan thangka painting that depicts the iconic motif of the Bhavachakra (Wheel of Life / Wheel of Rebirth). The circular mandala is held by the claws and fangs of the wrathful death god Yama, who symbolizes the law of karma and the cycle of samsara (rebirth). Yama wears a traditional crown of five flaming skulls and possesses the open third eye of wisdom.
Inside, in the inner square palace (mandala), sits a central Buddha figure in meditation, surrounded by a circle of other Buddhas or Bodhisattvas. In the two upper corners, nestled among cloud formations, are two peaceful Buddhist masters or deities.
The painting was hand-painted with pigments on canvas.