Hand-Painted by Rebkong (Qinghai) Master Artist
Artist: Tserang Tashi
A classic Tibetan Buddhist masterpiece, this Six-Armed Mahakala Black Thangka is a triple treasure of spiritual protection, intangible cultural heritage art, and artisanal craftsmanship! 100% hand-painted by Rebkong masters, it features a natural mineral black base contrasted with golden metallic patterns. Ideal as a high-end wall decor to exude a mysterious and majestic aura, it can also be enshrined in home altars to help subdue afflictions and safeguard the Dharma. Moreover, it infuses spiritual practice with the unique protective power of Tibetan Buddhism, seamlessly blending sacred symbolism with artistic value.
Specifications
✅ Uniqueness: One-of-a-kind original artwork – no duplicates exist
✅ Size: 86cm × 120cm (subject to actual product)
✅ Technique: Painted in traditional Tibetan meticulous heavy-color style, strictly adhering to proportions specified in the Iconometric Sutras. The composition centers the main deity surrounded by attendants, adorned with cloud and mountain motifs – intricate yet orderly, creating a majestic aura of "subduing demons and protecting the Dharma."
✅ Pigments: 100% natural mineral and plant-based (including turquoise, saffron, gold powder), blended with ox bile and animal glue. These pigments resist fading for centuries, embodying the Tibetan Buddhist artistic philosophy of "upholding faith through quality materials."
✅ Canvas: Old cotton fabric from the Qinghai Plateau, crafted through gluing, powdering, and repeated sanding
✅ Framing: Modern solid wood frame – combines minimalist elegance with exquisite craftsmanship, preserving the artwork’s legacy while enhancing its luxurious and sacred aura.
✅ Origin & Craft: Hand-painted in Rebkong, Qinghai
About Six-Armed Mahakala Thangka Art
1. Iconography & Deity Identity
Central Deity: Six-Armed Mahakala – Core Symbol of Protection & Subjugation
As a pivotal Dharma Protector governing the subjugation of demons and safeguarding the Dharma in Tibetan Buddhism, his iconography strictly follows the Iconometric Sutras, with every detail carrying profound protective meanings:
• Appearance & Posture: Deep blue body (symbolizing the power to subdue all worldly afflictions and demonic obstacles, representing the dignity and strength of a Dharma Protector); stands atop a white elephant (or various symbols of evil forces), embodying his sacred duty to overcome obstacles and uphold the true path.
• Six Arms & Sacred Objects:
￮ Main arms embrace a consort (symbolizing the union of compassion and wisdom, protecting the Dharma through both protective power and compassion);
￮ Remaining arms hold ritual tools including a curved knife, skull bowl, and rope: the curved knife severs ignorance and delusion, the skull bowl subdues the sufferings of birth and death, and the rope binds evil forces – each tool reflects his protective essence of "subduing all obstacles and safeguarding the purity of the Dharma."
• Headdress & Facial Expression: Wears a five-skull crown adorned with skull decorations (symbolizing conquering the sufferings of samsara and transcending illusory appearances); displays a wrathful visage with three wide-open eyes and bared fangs, exuding a fearsome majesty that intimidates evil forces.
• Adornments & Robes: Draped in animal skin, adorned with jewel necklaces and bone ornaments – radiating the dignity and power of a Dharma Protector. Bold, dynamic robe lines and folds perfectly embody Six-Armed Mahakala’s sacred role: "subduing afflictions through authority and protecting the Dharma through guardianship."
Main Attendants: Retinue of Dharma Protectors
• Upper Deities: Multiple esoteric Buddhas and Bodhisattvas arranged in small niches, each crafted in strict accordance with the Iconometric Sutras – bestowing blessings for "subduing demons and protecting the Dharma" from various spiritual dimensions.
• Lower & Surrounding Protectors: Diverse in form and color, some wrathful and others symbolically charged, echoing the main deity’s wrathful aura. Together, they form a comprehensive protection system, symbolizing the subjugation of afflictions and safeguarding of Dharma practice from multiple angles.
Other Background Elements
• Landscapes & Auspicious Clouds: Mountain and cloud motifs enrich the composition with religious meaning, adding context and sacredness to the solemn protective scene. They symbolize that Six-Armed Mahakala’s protective power permeates the world, shielding practitioners from demonic obstacles in any environment.
2. Cultural Connotations & Legends
Six-Armed Mahakala is the core symbol of Dharma protection and affliction subjugation in Tibetan Buddhism. The creation of this Thangka theme stems from devotees’ sincere aspirations to "subdue inner afflictions (greed, anger, ignorance, arrogance, doubt), overcome external demonic obstacles, and ensure smooth Dharma practice."
As the sacred Protector governing "subduing afflictions, protecting the Dharma, and guiding spiritual practice," his spiritual essence lies in safeguarding beings through majestic vows. By practicing according to his teachings, devotees not only receive powerful protection from inner and outer obstacles and freedom from suffering but also continuously temper their minds, strengthen their spiritual resolve, and practice virtue – achieving the perfect state of "obstacles removed, path fulfilled; path fulfilled, enlightenment attained."
Artistically, this work is a masterpiece of Rebkong Thangka focusing on Dharma protection themes. Renowned for "the contrast of black and gold, exquisite craftsmanship, and profound meaning," Rebkong black-gold Thangka seamlessly integrates the symbolic faith of Six-Armed Mahakala, meticulous techniques, and natural pigments. Layers of mineral pigments embody prayers for "complete subjugation of obstacles," while delicate brushwork reflects the artist’s dedication and reverence for faith – transforming the Protector’s vows into a tangible fusion of art and spirituality.
