Banepa Mahakala Head – Mukti Singh Thapa

This outstanding painting by master artist Mukti Singh Thapa is of Mahakala, the Protector of the Dharma. It is inspired by the famed Mahakala, or Bhairab, of Chandeshwori temple in Banepa, Nepal. Banepa is a charming historical town located about twenty-five kilometres east of Kathmandu. Mukti painted this work in 1989 with mineral pigments and it is part of his 'Early Collection.’

Mahakala is considered to be the fierce and powerful emanation of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. He defends the Dharma from hostile forces and protects the individual practitioner from deception and delusion, bestowing power to overcome life's struggles. This stunning piece displays Thapa's mastery of the 13th - 16th century Newar Design style through its rich color palette and use of traditional iconography.

This original thangka, or paubha in Nepal, is painted in the traditional manner with ground mineral pigments on primed cotton canvas. The stunning blue is painted with lapis lazuli from Afghanistan and the gold ornaments, such as the crown and jewelry, are painted painstakingly with warm orpiment. A painting of this size and complexity will take several months to compose, sketch and complete.

Dimensions: 15" w. x 17" h.

Learn more about this artist at: MahakalaFineArts.com

All prices in US dollars.