Description
Buddhist Deity of Wisdom, Chaturbhuja Mahakala Painting | Spiritual Masterpiece with Gold and Copper Leaf Detailing
A fierce and powerful representation of Chaturbhuja Mahakala, the wrathful protector deity of Tantric Buddhism. The artwork showcases the deity’s blue form, embodying his dynamic and protective nature. Created by Sugat Shakya, a talented artist based in Lalitpur, this artwork blends ancient Newari and Chinese artistic styles, resulting in a contemporary yet deeply spiritual piece. Sugat Shakya’s journey into religious art began in his childhood, where he was inspired by religious and mythological stories. His early immersion in arts and crafts, especially with religious objects like sculptures and mandalas, naturally led him to pursue a career in this field. In 2023, he graduated from the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing, honing his skills and gaining mastery in traditional techniques. His training has enabled him to create this unique fusion of Newari and Chinese styles, blending them seamlessly into one cohesive and powerful thangka.
Mahakala is depicted with one face and three red eyes, representing fierce insight. His gaping red mouth, orange beard, and upward-flowing orange hair symbolize his fiery energy and destructive power. The artist has carefully rendered the deity’s main pair of hands, with the right holding a curved knife and the left a blood-filled white skullcup. His second pair of hands holds a vajra-handled sword in the right and a katvanga staff with a trident tip in the left. Adorned with a crown of five white skulls, earrings, and bracelets, Mahakala’s attire represents both wisdom and power.
Surrounded by flames, the fires of pristine awareness, the piece conveys the purifying energy of Mahakala. The lower body, wrapped in a tiger skin skirt, and the right leg pendant reflect his dominion over ignorance and illusion. The serpent deity, emerging from the waters at the bottom of the composition, is shown offering veneration to Mahakala, symbolizing the harmony between the elemental forces and spiritual protection.
The painting has been created using traditional Chinese pigments on rice paper, lending the piece a unique texture. Gold and copper leaf have been applied to create a stunning metallic effect, further enhancing the divine and powerful presence of the deity. The artist’s atmospheric perspective adds spatial depth to the composition, making this piece visually striking and spiritually profound.
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Size: 18"/46 cm (width) x 24"/61 cm (height)
Materials: Rice Paper, 24K Gold, Copper, Acrylic Colors
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BROCADE MOUNT
We offer traditional brocade mounts upon your request. We will send available samples and pricing details for your final confirmation.
CONSECRATION OF THANGKA
As per your request for consecrations/blessings, we can take thangka to nearby monasteries/Rinpoches from Boudha Stupa. We kindly ask that you contribute $50 to the monasteries for these blessing/consecration services.
