This is an old, original hand-painted Citipati Tibetan Thangka, finished with traditional oil varnish for protection and durability. It is painted on handmade cotton canvas using gold and natural pigments, following classical Tibetan techniques.
Citipati, also known as the Lord and Lady of the Charnel Grounds, are important Dharma Protectors in Vajrayana Buddhism and are closely associated with the Vajrayogini and Chakrasamvara traditions. Though depicted as dancing skeletons, they symbolize impermanence, freedom from fear, and liberation from attachment.
Their origin comes from ancient tantric practices carried out by Indian Mahasiddhas in charnel grounds—places used for meditation on death and the transient nature of life. These practices were meant to cut through ego and illusion, leading to deeper realization.
Citipati are also famously featured in Cham Lama dances, performed during special Buddhist festivals. These sacred masked dances, accompanied by traditional Tibetan instruments, celebrate spiritual transformation and protection.
This Thangka is both a powerful spiritual image and a rare example of traditional Himalayan art, ideal for collectors, practitioners, meditation spaces, or sacred décor.
Inner Painting Size: 17.8 × 23 inches (45 × 58 cm)
Size with Silk Border: 37 × 48 inches (94 × 122 cm)
Material: Handmade cotton canvas
Colors Used: Gold dust, water pigments, poster colors, Tibetan hide glue mixture
Finish: Oil varnished (vintage)
Origin: Hand-painted in Nepal
Condition: Old / vintage original – not a print
Framing: Traditional silk border
Natural signs of age add character and authenticity
Colors may vary slightly due to lighting and screen settings
Ships rolled and securely packed for safe worldwide delivery
Import duties or taxes, if applicable, are the buyer’s responsibility
A rare and meaningful Citipati Thangka, representing impermanence, protection, and spiritual freedom—an exceptional addition to any Buddhist art collection.
Please take note of the following:
- Color Variance: Please be aware that the actual color of the paintings
may exhibit slight variations due to the light conditions during photo shooting
and the resolution of computer screens.
- In-Person Brilliance: The visual impact of the paintings is more
captivating when experienced in person, surpassing the representation captured
in photographs.
- Size Clarification: Please note that the mentioned size of the painting
does not account for the outer border, which contributes to a nuanced and
visually dynamic presentation.
- Secure Packaging: To ensure the safe delivery of these artistic
treasures, each painting will be meticulously packed inside a PVC Tube,
guaranteeing safety during transportation.
- Buyer's Responsibility: Please be aware that any import duties, taxes,
and additional charges at the destination country are the sole responsibility of
the buyer, adding a layer of transparency to the purchasing process.