An antique, 19th Century or earlier tsakli painting in mineral pigments depicting within an elaborate saffron and yellow cloud filled border, Four deities, each within his own glowing nimbus and on a separate lotus throne. Top left is Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of wisdom who cleaves ignorance with his sword; beside him is Sadaksari Avalokitesvara, the four armed manifestation of the Lord of Compassion; below them to the left is the Protector of the Dharma, Vajrapani, brandishing his vajra in his right hand, the left in a gesture of warning, and beside him is Padmasambhava, as Guru Rinpoche, the Precious Teacher. He is dressed in his religious gown of red and green which is edged with tiger skin. He wears his characteristic red hat with the ear lappets turned up and dorje knop. He holds a skull cup filled with the Water of Life as he sits in the position of meditation on his lotus throne, surrounded by a radiant saffron nimbus with a light red mandorla.
Three syllables in Tibetan text to the reverse side. 12.4 x 15.2cm