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Late 20th Century Tibetan Citipati Protector Deities Thangka, Samye Monastery

$1,759.49
£1,275
€1,513.82
CA$2,426.80
A$2,441.01
CHF 1,422.31
MX$29,740.10
NOK 16,357.46
SEK 16,779.48
DKK 11,314.78

About the Item

A striking late 20th-century Tibetan thangka depicting Citipati, the celebrated pair of skeletal protector deities of Vajrayana Buddhism, traditionally associated with Samye Monastery in Tibet. Entirely handmade on cotton canvas and hand-painted using traditional pigments derived from rocks and minerals, the composition depicts the two animated skeletal figures dancing together against a dramatic black ground. Their intricately rendered bodies, elaborate ornaments and flowing ceremonial scarves create a vivid sense of movement. Citipati, also known as Chitipati or Shmashana Adhipati, are traditionally represented as a male and female skeletal pair. They belong to the class of dharmapalas, or protectors of Buddhist teachings, whose fierce appearance contrasts with their protective spiritual function. The dancing skeletons carry profound symbolism within Tibetan Buddhist iconography. Their exposed skeletal forms confront the viewer with the inevitability of death and the impermanence of physical existence, while their energetic dance represents awareness transcending attachment to the material body. The two figures are shown intertwined in a dynamic ritual dance, carrying symbolic implements and dressed with brightly coloured scarves in orange, green, blue and burgundy. Despite the imagery of death, Citipati are understood as protective rather than malevolent figures, embodying the transformation of fear and attachment into spiritual awareness. The exceptionally dark background heightens the theatrical quality of the composition and provides a dramatic contrast with the finely delineated white skeletal forms and vibrant mineral-derived colours. An unusual and visually compelling example of Tibetan Buddhist devotional art, combining the themes of impermanence, mortality, protection and enlightened awareness within one of Vajrayana Buddhism's most distinctive iconographic subjects. Period: Late 20th Century Origin: Tibet Associated Place: Samye Monastery Subject: Citipati / Chitipati / Buddhist Protector Deities Material: Hand-painted cotton canvas with traditional rock and mineral-derived pigments Measurements: Height: 46 cm / 18.11 in Width: 34 cm / 13.39 in Depth: Approximately 0.2 cm / 0.08 in We ship tracked, worldwide.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 18.12 in (46 cm)Width: 13.39 in (34 cm)Depth: 7.88 in (20 cm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Canvas,Paint
  • Period:
    Late 20th Century
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Late 20th Century
  • Condition:
  • Seller Location:
    Nottingham, GB
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU9003251379892

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