Fine Art
Through the centuries, art in the Himalaya has predominantly been religious. This art can still be found on the walls of ancient Buddhist monasteries from Tibet to Bhutan, Mustang to Ladakh, as well as on canvas. These paintings on canvas are called paubha in Nepal and thangka or thanka in Tibet. Originating in northern India, where the Buddha was enlightened and taught the Dharma, the art slowly moved northward to Nepal with famous teachers and lamas. After being blocked by the Himalaya, the art moved westward from the Kathmandu Valley to northern India and then through deep valleys into Tibet. As the art moved and the ages passed, different styles emerged.
Mahakala Fine Arts supports the finest artists from across the Himalaya to share their traditional, yet ever-changing, art form. We proudly sell these artists' original paintings as well as Collector's Edition prints. Additionally, Mahakala Fine Arts donates a portion of all print sales to social programs in the Himalaya. Please join us!
Mahakala Dance Apron by Mukti Singh Thapa
$435.00
This outstanding work by master artist Mukti Singh Thapa depicts Mahakala in the pattern of a Tibetan dance apron. Mahakala, the Protector of the Dharma, is considered to be the fierce and powerful emanation of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. He defends the Dharma from hostile forces and protects the individual practitioner from deception and delusion, bestowing power to overcome life's struggles. This piece displays Thapa's mastery of the Tibetan style through its precise lines and expert use of traditional iconography, while also demonstrating his brilliant creativity in this original design.
This original thangka, or paubha in Nepal, is painted in the traditional manner with ground mineral pigments on primed cotton canvas. The stunning blue is painted with lapis lazuli from Afghanistan and the gold ornaments, such as the crown and jewelry, are painted painstakingly with 24 carat gold. A painting of this smaller size will take many weeks to compose, sketch and complete.
The original painting is no longer available, but Mahakala Fine Arts has produced a Collector's Edition fine art print so that you can collect this museum quality work of art. This print is limited to 100 prints and can only be found at Mahakala Fine Arts. It is printed on thick archival paper in the same professional quality used by top museums worldwide.
With your 48 cm (18.75 inch) fine art print you will receive an authentication card, numbered and signed by the artist in English and Nepali script, as well as an artist biography.
Mahakala Fine Arts donates a portion of all print sales to social programs in the Himalaya. Please join us!
Twenty-One Taras by Mukti Singh Thapa
$435.00
This work by master artist Mukti Singh Thapa is of Twenty-One Taras. Tara is the most important goddess in Buddhism and in Tibet is regarded as 'the mother of all Buddhas.' This work is based on the tantra '21 Praises of Tara' and each emanation represents one verse of praise. Red Tara is an especially powerful Tara and can change life dramatically in a single moment. Further, Amitabha Buddha can be found at the top center of the painting. This special piece is a true masterpiece and displays Thapa's mastery of the Tibetan style through its rich color palette, imaginative composition, and use of traditional iconography.
This original thangka, or paubha in Nepal, is painted in the traditional manner with ground mineral pigments on primed cotton canvas. For example, the central red figure is painted with rich cinnabar while the gold ornaments, such as the crowns and jewelry, are painted painstakingly with 24 carat gold. A painting of this size and complexity will take several months to compose, sketch and complete.
The original painting is available for the knowledgeable collector. Additionally, Mahakala Fine Arts has produced a Collector's Edition fine art print so that you can enjoy this museum quality work of art. Printed in three sizes, each size is limited to 100 prints and can only be found at Mahakala Fine Arts. They are printed on thick archival paper in the same professional quality used by top museums worldwide.
With your 120 cm (47 inch) and 80 cm (31 inch) fine art prints you will receive an authentication card, numbered and signed by the artist in English and Nepali script, as well as an artist biography. The 50 cm (20 inch) print is signed and numbered directly by the artist and comes with an artist biography.
Mahakala Fine Arts donates a portion of all print sales to social programs in the Himalaya. Please join us!
If you are interested in the original painting, please email Mahakala@MahakalaFineArts.com. Please note that the price ($999,999) on the website is just a placeholder. We will share the price on request as well as more information about this stunning painting.
Chakrasamvara Mandala by Mukti Singh Thapa
$435.00
This magical painting by master artist Mukti Singh Thapa is of the Paramasukha Chakrasamvara Mandala, often described as the wheel ('chakra') of supreme bliss ('paramasukha'). This important meditational mandala depicts Samvara in union with his consort, Vajravahari. Their sexual embrace signifies the fusion of wisdom and compassion. This captivating piece displays Thapa's mastery of the 13th - 16th century Newar Design style through its rich color palette, precise lines, and expert use of traditional iconography.
This original thangka, or paubha in Nepal, is painted in the traditional manner with ground mineral pigments on primed cotton canvas. Prominent minerals in this work include rich blue lapis lazuli, brilliant red cinnabar and elegant green malachite. The gold ornaments, such as the crowns and jewelry, are painted painstakingly with 24 carat gold. A painting of this large size will take several months to compose, sketch and complete.
While the original painting has sold, Mahakala Fine Arts has produced a Collector's Edition fine art print so that you can collect this museum quality work of art. Printed in two sizes, each size is limited to 100 prints and can only be found at Mahakala Fine Arts. They are printed on thick archival paper in the same professional quality used by top museums worldwide.
With your 73 cm (29 inch) fine art print you will receive an authentication card, numbered and signed by the artist in English and Nepali script, as well as an artist biography. The 50 cm (20 inch) print is signed and numbered directly by the artist and comes with an artist biography.
Mahakala Fine Arts donates a portion of all print sales to social programs in the Himalaya. Please join us!
