Buddhist Mandala Thangka

Item:
Hand-Painted Buddhist Mandala Thangka with Brocade Silk Mounting
Dimensions: Approx. 45" x 62"
Medium: Mineral and gilt paints on cotton canvas, bordered in silk brocade
Origin: Likely Nepal or Tibet
Estimated Date: 1970s–1980s
Condition: Excellent (light surface wear and slight natural crazing to paint layer)

Description & Analysis:

This is a large and finely detailed Tibetan Buddhist Mandala Thangka, featuring a classic cosmological mandaladesign surrounded by deities, temples, and celestial motifs, all enclosed in a traditional silk brocade frame with gold thread. The painting likely depicts a Kalachakra Mandala or a Vajradhatu Mandala, both of which are central to advanced Tantric meditation practices in Tibetan Buddhism.

Key indicators of high craftsmanship include:

• Intricate detailing with no signs of mass production or stencil use.
• Gilded highlights, which appear to be real gilt (gold-based) paint rather than metallic acrylics.
• The vibrancy and complexity of cloud motifs, deities, and landscape scenes.
• Use of traditional mineral pigments and meticulous brushwork.

Thangkas of this size and quality were generally produced by trained artists within monastic or artisan communities for religious or ceremonial use, or for export to collectors with a strong appreciation for Buddhist culture.

Provenance:

Belonged to a deceased friend of the owner who traveled extensively in Asia during the 1970s–80s and collected high-quality religious and cultural artifacts. The thangka likely originated in Kathmandu, Nepal or Lhasa, Tibet, where such pieces were commonly acquired by travelers during that era.

Current Market Value Estimate (Retail/Fair Market):

Sale Type

Estimated Value (USD)

Retail (Gallery/Dealer)

$1,200 – $2,500

Private Sale (Collector)

$800 – $1,500

Auction (Specialized)

$600 – $1,000

Recommendation:

If you are looking to sell, you may consider:

• Reputable Asian art galleries or auction houses (e.g., Bonhams or Skinner Asian Art auctions).
• Online platforms with a collector audience (e.g., LiveAuctioneers, 1stDibs, or eBay with detailed provenance).
• Buddhist or meditation centers looking for ceremonial artwork.

If you want official documentation for insurance or high-value sale, I recommend a formal professional appraisal from an accredited Asian art specialist or ISA-certified appraiser.