A Mongolian thangkha depicting the Mandala of Vairocana

The thangka is executed in pigments and gilt with Vairocana seated in dhyanasana holding a chakra wheel, surrounded by a multitude of further deities, all above two worshippers at the lower corners flanking a table of offerings.

Provenance: With Astamangala, Amsterdam. Jan Brummelhuis collection, Amsterdam.

Catalogue notes: Vairocana is one of the five Dhyani Buddhas (the five Buddhas of the five directions of the universe). The geometric placement of the figures in the thangka renders it a Mandala, which is a cosmic diagram used in meditation.