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.
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
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Gouache on cotton cloth |
| Brief description | Tangka depicting Atisha |
| Dimensions |
|
| Credit line | Purchased from Messrs. Sotheby, Wilkinson & Hodge, 34, 35 New Bond Street, W.1 |
| Object history | Purchased from Messrs. Sotheby, Wilkinson & Hodge, 34, 35 New Bond Street, W.1. This acquisition information reflects that found in the Museum records (Asia Department registers and/or Central Inventory) as part of a 2023 provenance research project. R.P. 8419-1920 |
| 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 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | March 11, 2003 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest
