Thangka of an eleven-headed Avalokiteshvara by Anonymous

Thangka of an eleven-headed Avalokiteshvara c. late 18th century

color-on-silk, hanging-scroll, ink

natural stone pattern

wood texture

naturalistic pattern

pottery

color-on-silk

pattern background

hanging-scroll

ink

tile art

ethnic pattern

wooden texture

layered pattern

watercolor

This late 18th-century Tibetan thangka, or scroll painting, depicts the eleven-headed Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, and is an example of Buddhist art. The central figure of Avalokiteshvara is surrounded by 11 heads, numerous arms, and other symbolic details, including a lotus flower, a white animal, and a stupa. The artwork also features a group of people gathered at the bottom, suggesting a depiction of devotees or offerings. The thangka is a vibrant example of religious art, showcasing the elaborate iconography and symbolism used in Buddhist practice and visual culture.

Comments

minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

⋮

This thangka, a scroll painting on cloth, was designed to be hung in a monastery or private shrine. Easily rolled for storage or transport, thankas are used as meditational tools. The central deity is Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion, who takes a form with 11 heads and multiple arms, emphasizing his boundless knowledge and ability to help innumerable devotees at once. The bodhisattva is shown emanating from a chorten or stupa (a structure that holds relics—a model of which is seen in the case behind), which represents the historical Buddha; celestial Buddhas are depicted in surrounding heavenly roundels. Below, earthly beings make offerings to Avalokiteshvara.