An early 19th century Mongolian tsakli miniature painting of Ganapati (the Hindu god Ganesha) shown with companion monkey (Hindu Hanuman). 80x63mm

Tsakli are small thangkas used for personal meditation or teaching. Ganapati holding and protecting the three precious jewels of Buddhism which symbolise the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. The presence of the monkey is interesting iconographically and Ganapati appears with monkeys in an important Tibetan thankga commissioned in the 15th century for monastery: http://www.asianart.com/exhibitions/svision/i49.html

Here is another beautiful 19th century example from the Nyingmapa tradition of Ganapati with a monkey consort in the Rubin Museum of Art: http://www.himalayanart.org/image.cfm/500.html

The Dharani (prayer mantra) of Ganapati’s Monkey Emanation allows one to see in dreams all that you wish for.

I do not know what the iconography of the three sticks? which the monkey holds and would be interested if any Buddhist scholars know what these represent.

For more photos and other antque 18th and 19th century tsakli see: http://www.kilim.ie/TRIBAL_ART_AND_ANTIQUES/Pages/Tibetan_Buddhist_and_M...

Please email me for more information or with any questions you may have.