Yamantaka by Mukti Singh Thapa

This striking painting by master artist Mukti Singh Thapa depicts Yamantaka, the wrathful protector who assumes this form to vanquish Yama, the God of Death. By defeating Yama, the cycle of rebirths, samsara, that prevents enlightenment is broken. Yamantaka is the ferocious aspect of Manjushri, the Buddha of Wisdom, and the red flames represent wisdom. This stunning piece displays Thapa's mastery of the Tibetan style through its beautiful colors, precise lines and traditional iconography.  This painting is part of Mukti's 'Early Collection' and was completed in 1991 when the artist's work was just gaining international acclaim. As with all of the artist's work, it is painted in the traditional manner with mineral pigments, crushed by hand, on primed cotton canvas. The brilliant blue is lapis lazuli from Afghanistan and the rich red flames are cinnabar. The gold crown and other ornaments are painted painstakingly with 24 carat gold.The original thangka, or paubha, painting is available