Art From Bhaktapur, Buddhist Handmade Thangka of Newari Style Sri Yantra Design, Hand Painted, Antique, Real Gold

SRI YANTRA
The Sri Yantra or Sri Chakra is a form of mystical diagram (yantra) used in the Shri Vidya school of Hinduism. It consists of nine interlocking triangles that surround a central point known as a bindu. These triangles represent the cosmos and the human body. Because of its nine triangles, Sri Yantra is also known as the Navayoni Chakra. When the two-dimensional Sri Yantra is represented in three dimensions, it is called a Maha Meru. Mount Meru derives its name from this shape. In addition to Mount Meru, all other yantras derive from the Sri Yantra.

NEWARI PAUBHA
This Sri Yantra is a newari thangka or Paubaha, Paubha, also known as “paubhas,” is a traditional religious painting created by the Newar people of Nepal. These exquisite artworks depict various subjects, including deities, mandalas, and monuments, and serve as aids for meditation and spiritual practices. Paubhas are similar to Tibetan Thangka paintings and are highly regarded for their religious and cultural significance.
While most paubhas portray Buddhist subjects, there are also a few that incorporate Hindu themes. The creation of these paintings is seen as a means of earning religious merit for both the artist and the patron. Newar Buddhists often commission skilled artists, primarily from the Chitrakar caste (known as Pun in Nepal Bhasa), to paint paubhas that are displayed during festivals and special occasions.

INTRODUCTION TO THANGKA
A thangka, also known as tangka, thanka, or tanka, is a vibrant and intricate Tibetan Buddhist painting that serves as a visual representation of spiritual teachings. Crafted with meticulous detail on cotton or silk appliqué, thangkas depict a wide range of subjects including Buddhist deities, sacred scenes, mandalas, and narrative stories. These sacred artworks are traditionally kept unframed and rolled up for storage, resembling ancient scrolls. To protect their delicate nature, thangkas are mounted on textile backings and often adorned with a silk cover on the front. Proper preservation in dry environments is crucial to maintain the integrity and longevity of the silk.