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Tangka thumbnail 2
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Tangka

early 19th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This scroll painting or tangka depicts the central figure of Sakya Pandita (1182-1251). He is seated in the pose of philosophic disputation. Before him kneels a brown-skinned heretic. This is number six in a series of wood-block prints showing the Panchen Lamas of Tashilunpho. Sakya Pandita is sometimes counted among their former incarnations. He was responsible for establishing good relations with the Mongols and was invited to the Mongol court in 1246. The result of the visit was a reciprocal agreement. The Mongols embraced Tibetan Buddhism, but assumed overall political control of Tibet. Sakya Pandita, and future leaders of the Sakya Order, became their regents and ruled the country on their behalf.

The wood blocks were cut between 1737 and 1780. They had a great influence in the development of the Tibetan painting style from the 1780s onwards.


Object details

Category
Object type
Materials and techniques
Gouache on cotton cloth
Brief description
Tangka depicting Atisha
Dimensions
  • Height: 70.5cm
  • Width: 42cm
Credit line
Purchased from Messrs. Sotheby, Wilkinson & Hodge, 34, 35 New Bond Street, W.1
Historical context
Scroll painting or tangka depicting Sakya Pandita (1182-1251) an incarnation of the Panchen Lamas of Tashilunpho monastery (see IM 135-1926). Number six from a series taken from wood blocks cut at Narthang between 1737 and 1780.
Summary
This scroll painting or tangka depicts the central figure of Sakya Pandita (1182-1251). He is seated in the pose of philosophic disputation. Before him kneels a brown-skinned heretic. This is number six in a series of wood-block prints showing the Panchen Lamas of Tashilunpho. Sakya Pandita is sometimes counted among their former incarnations. He was responsible for establishing good relations with the Mongols and was invited to the Mongol court in 1246. The result of the visit was a reciprocal agreement. The Mongols embraced Tibetan Buddhism, but assumed overall political control of Tibet. Sakya Pandita, and future leaders of the Sakya Order, became their regents and ruled the country on their behalf.

The wood blocks were cut between 1737 and 1780. They had a great influence in the development of the Tibetan painting style from the 1780s onwards.
Collection
Accession number
IM.315-1920

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Record createdMarch 11, 2003
Record URL
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