Unframed Bhavachakra Wheel of Life Thangka | Orange Border | 44 × 35 cm

The Cycle of Existence, Rendered in Vivid Detail

This striking Bhavachakra (Wheel of Life) Thangka presents the complete map of conditioned existence in a distinctive and beautifully executed composition. At the top center, the fierce face of Yama, the Lord of Death, flanked by skull-crowned figures, presides over the great wheel with terrifying authority. The six realms of existence radiate outward from the three poisons at the center, each populated with dozens of figures living out the consequences of their karma.

What makes this piece particularly distinctive is its vibrant orange and terracotta border with a deep black inner border, adorned on both sides with a continuous column of auspicious symbols: the dharma wheel, the endless knot, the lotus, and more. At the base, dragons and sea creatures emerge from the waters below the wheel. The luminous blue background gives the warm earth tones and gold detailing exceptional brilliance.

Provenance

Hand-painted in Kathmandu, Nepal, circa 2000, by skilled artisans working in the living tradition of Nepalese sacred art. Pieces from this period and origin represent some of the finest examples of the craft produced in the modern era.

Dimensions

• 17 inches tall x 13.5 inches wide
• Sold unframed, ready to hang or frame to your preference

What You'll Receive

• One hand-painted thangka on cotton canvas
• Authentic Kathmandu craftsmanship with gold detailing throughout
• A distinctive orange border composition, unique among Bhavachakra thangkas

Perfect For

• Students and scholars of Buddhist philosophy and iconography
• Meditation rooms, dharma centers, and sacred home altars
• Collectors of Himalayan and Tibetan Buddhist fine art

⚠️ Condition Disclosure

This piece is offered at a reduced price due to the following minor condition issues, visible in the detail photos provided:

• Border fraying: Loose canvas threads along the left black inner border edge.
• Corner imperfection: Minor paint lifting at the corner where the orange and black borders meet.

The painted artwork itself is fully intact and unaffected. A professional framer can address these border issues during mounting. Please review all detail photos carefully before purchasing. All sales are final.

The Wheel of Life is said to have been designed by the Buddha himself as a teaching tool. To contemplate it is to see the entire architecture of conditioned existence, and the path beyond it.