Bhimaratha Jatra Distemper on cloth Nepal

Acquired in the 1970s/1980s

Good overall condition. No restoration. Some creasing throughout, as clearly visible in catalogue illustration. Some wear and rubbings throughout, and some light staining in lower right and left quadrants from ritual use. Exhibited in temporary frame.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any stat.mes nt made by Replica Shoes 's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

A lotus emerging from a blue lake supporting the stupa with Ushnishvijaya at the center of the white dome beneath the eyes of the harmika and the golden umbrella wheels. The lake surrounded by a landscape of mountains and rivers, with shrines to Hindu deities guarded by Buddhist protectors, a multitude of cloud-borne Buddhist deities with the Five Transcendental Buddhas above, large Manjushri and Lokeshvara flanking the stupa, a donor beneath with a vajracharya performing the Bhimaratha ceremony, three episodes of the rite depicted, with Mahakala below surrounded by offerings and flanked by the donor family.

The Bhimaratha ceremony takes place on a Newari Buddhist's attainment of seventy-seven years, seven months and seven days, and frees them of temporal responsibilities with the onset of senility. A sculpture or painting of a stupa containing an image of Ushnishavijaya, the goddess associated with long life and immortality, is consecrated on the occasion of that rite. Dated by inscription to samvat 875 (1755 CE).

Compare stupa details, landscape elements and placement of deities with an early 19th Century paubha of Bhimaratha Jatra, see H. Kreijger, Kathmandu Valley Painting: The Jucker collects ion, Boston, 1999, p. 82, no. 28. See also Replica Shoes 's New York, March 28, 2006, lot 38.