Thangka of Ratnasambhava, Newar-Tibetan style

This painting shows Ratnasambhava, “the Jewel-Born”, one of the Five Celestial Buddhas of Himalayan Buddhism. He represents the south and the quality of generosity. He sits cross-legged on a white cushion over a lotus throne, crowned and wearing rich jewellery: layered necklaces, large gold earrings and decorated armlets. His right hand rests low over the knee with the palm facing out, the gesture of giving. His left hand rests in his lap in meditation. Two horses, his traditional emblem, stand on either side of the throne base, with a draped cloth between them.

Eight bodhisattvas surround him, matching the Eight Great Bodhisattvas, the Buddha’s closest attendants. Two stand on lotus bases at either side of him, each in a red and green halo, with one hand at the chest and a long garland falling from the shoulders. Four sit in the upper corners: on the left one golden and one green figure, on the right one blue-grey and one golden figure, the last holding a lotus stem. Two golden figures sit in meditation in the lower corners, one on each side of the horse panels. All are set against a dark ground of scrolling clouds, leaves and flowers, and framed by a zigzag border and a step-pattern edge.

The work follows the Newar painting tradition of the Kathmandu Valley, whose artists also worked for Tibetan monasteries. That tradition is known for fine drawing, a deep red, green and blue palette, and detailed gold jewellery. This painting is in the style of the 14th to 15th century, a period that collectors and scholars regard as a high point of Himalayan painting. The composition is symmetrical, with the large central Buddha set against a dark field. The jewellery, pearl strands and facial lines are drawn with great care, and the gold highlights stand out against the warm flesh tones. The coarse cloth weave gives the surface a matte, textured finish.