19th Century Qing Dynasty Chinese Tibetan Framed Thangka painting of Padmasambhava Refuge Field - Nyingma Lineage. A visual composition reminding the devotee of all of the most sacred objects contained in the tradition. Padmasambhava and consort (Tibetan: pe ma jung ne yab yum) in the middle of a field for the accumulation of merit (Tib.: Tsog shing). The principal compositional elements of the paintings are the mountain and palace containing Padmasambhava located in the center of the canvas. Padmasambhava and consort are the central figures in the composition. Seated above are the lineage teachers. At the left are the transcendent followers (Sanskrit: sangha) - the bodhisattvas. At the right are the Shravaka followers. The mountain is surrounded by water and the land below is inhabited by numerous demons - wild and fearsome looking beings. In the sky above are peaceful deities and goddesses. Groups of Buddhas located at the top center of the composition, the Buddhas of the Three Times, the Buddhas of the Five Families, or the Thirty-five Confession Buddhas. The third floor of the palace depicts Amitabha Buddha, the second floor Avalokiteshvara and on the ground floor Padmasambhava surrounded by his eight traditional forms relating to the chronology of his life story. The three figures of Amitabha, Avalokiteshvara and Padmasambhava form an important trinity in the Nyingma religious tradition of the 'Revealed Treasures' (terma). Meditational deities and protectors are below encircling the Buddhas. Additional protector deities are often depicted at the bottom of the painting. Measurements: 37" H x 24-3/4" W