THANGKA, With mandala painting, Tibetan Antique, Early Modern Period（16th–19th centuries）

This is a Tibetan thangka (Buddhist painting). The mandala depicted represents the nature of the world as conceived in esoteric Buddhism, illustrating the state of enlightenment.

This particular piece is a 17th-century thangka. At its center is a lotus flower, symbolizing the compassion of Vairocana Buddha, which is conveyed through the imagery. It is classified as part of the Womb Realm Mandala. Just as a mother nurtures her fetus with love, the Buddha cultivates the inherent Buddha-nature (Bodhicitta) within all sentient beings through the virtue of great compassion. This nurturing process is visually represented as the lotus seed germinates, blossoms, and bears fruit, guiding us toward the realm of enlightenment. Despite its age, this Buddhist painting is in excellent condition, with the brushwork and colors remaining vibrant and intact.