Adam's Fine Asian Art Preview 23 November 2021

www.adams.ie 77 Preview Asian Art |23 rd November 2021 A THANGKA OF VAISRAVANA RIDING A LION ALSO KNOWN AS KUBERA OR NAMTOSE TIBETO-CHINESE, 18TH TO 19TH CENTURY The Guardian of the North and God of Prosperity is seated on lalitasana on white snow lion. He is holding a mongoose in his left hand and an umbrella in his right hand. In the background, a pagoda type architecture. Numerous other deities are surrounding him. Framed with a glass. Dimensions (the sole thangka, as visible within its frame): 83 x 56 cm €3,000 - 6,000 NOTE: Vaisravana is both a fearsome protector and a benevolent benefactor. In his right hand he holds a heavenly banner. In his left, a black mongoose. His robust form is adorned in heavy gold necklaces, anklets, bangles and earrings. His entire body is backed by a radiant double aureole, as he sits dynamically atop his white lion who looks up at him in devotion. Above, Vaisravana is flanked by two of his eight horseman: the black-skinned Atavaka on the left and the white-skinned Manibhadra on the right. The remaining six horseman form a semi-circle below, with Purnabhadra on the left, followed by Samjneya, Jambhala, Bija Kundalin, Kubera and Panchika on the right.