A Very Large Applique Thangka of Avalokiteshvara/Shadaksari BodhisattvaTibet, circa 18th centuryAn exc ellent work of art adorned with Silk and Jewel Ornaments. With a 20th century Blue Cloth covering the thangka to protect the Applique. 304 cm x 256.5 cm Avalokiteshvara (Tibetan Chen RE Zi) Four handed the Bodhisattva of Compassion and Patron Deity of Tibet. Luminous, white, shining forth rays of five colors; smiling and gazing with compassionate eyes. With four hands, the first pair is folded at the heart. The lower two hold a crystal male and white lotus. Wearing Krishnasara Deerskin as an upper Garment- Amitabha as a Crown. Seated with two feet in Vajra posture. His Face is gazing forward with a peaceful appearance; the hair is piled on the top of the head with long black tresses falling across the shoulders. The neck is beautiful with three lines. The main two hands are folded together at the heart holding a precious wishing gem. The second right hand holds aloft a crystal malla interspersed with beads of red coral. The left hand holds a crystal lotus flower.The four hands represent love, compassion, joy and equanimity. Bracelets and anklets adorn the arms and feet. A silk scarf is wrapped about the shoulders and a deerskin rests across the left Shoulder. The lower body is attired in a silk skirt and the legs folded in Vajra posture. Atop is a moon disc and mulit-colored lotus seats surrounded by a large orange nimbus and red areola. Green foliage and three pink lotus blossoms rise behind. Arranged in front are precious jewels, red coral and gold ornaments.The center figure is completely surrounded by a form of Padmapani (the Lotus Hoder ) Avalokiteshvara, each with one face and two hands, white in color (gold filled). The right hand is extended across the knee in the Mudra Gesture of Supreme Generosity. The left hand is placed at the heart and holds the stem of a lotus flower blossom over the shoulder. The legs are in a relaxed posture on Lotus seats; they are surrounded by variously colored circles of light.See Himalayan Art Resources Item no 7562