Mahakala (Great Black Protector) 18K Gold Double-Sided Hand-Painted Thangka Pendant Rebgong Style · Skull Cup & Chopper · 20 × 26 mm Gau Box

Product Overview

This Mahakala (Great Black Protector) Thangka Pendant is a fully hand-painted, double-sided work rendered entirely in 18K gold, created in the Rebgong (Regong) painting tradition of Tibetan Buddhist art.

Housed in a full 18K gold Gau box with dual sapphire crystal mirrors, this piece combines ritual symbolism, fierce protector iconography, and museum-grade craftsmanship in a compact, portable form.

Mahakala is revered as one of the most powerful Dharma Protectors in Vajrayana Buddhism, embodying wrathful compassion—destroying obstacles, severing ignorance, and safeguarding sincere practitioners.

The Deity: Mahakala (Great Black Protector)

Mahakala is widely regarded in Tibetan Buddhism as:

• A wrathful emanation of Vairocana Buddha, or

• A powerful protector manifestation of Vajrapani (the embodiment of enlightened power)

Iconography & Symbolism (Front)

• Three wide-open eyes
  Represent clear perception of past, present, and future karma, leaving nothing hidden.

• Five-skull crown
  Symbolizes the subjugation of the five poisons—ignorance, attachment, aversion, pride, and jealousy.

• Skull cup (Kapala)
  Holds the nectar of wisdom, transforming delusion and karmic obstacles.

• Chopper (Kartika)
  Represents the decisive cutting of ignorance and mental afflictions.

• Trampling posture
  Signifies the complete domination of negative forces, inner demons, and obstructive karma.

Together, these elements express Mahakala’s role as a fierce yet compassionate guardian, often described in Tibetan culture as a strict but benevolent protector—firm like a father, yet responsive to sincere vows.

Reverse Side Meaning: Skull Cup & Chopper

The reverse side focuses exclusively on Mahakala’s ritual implements:

• Skull Cup (Kapala)
  Traditionally fashioned from a human skull in ritual symbolism, it represents the vessel where ignorance is transformed into wisdom nectar.

• Chopper (Kartika)
  A curved blade symbolizing swift, uncompromising wisdom, severing attachment and illusion at their root.

This pairing emphasizes absolute obstacle-subjugation and clarity of action, making the reverse side equally potent in meaning and visual force.

Artistic Origin & Style

• Origin: Rebgong (Amdo / Regong Art), Tibet cultural region

• Style: Rebgong hand-painted tradition

• Technique: Full-coverage, fine-line detailing with dense, precise gold application

Rebgong thangka art is renowned for its extreme line discipline, complex iconography, and spiritual precision, often associated with master-level works and temple commissions.

Materials & Craftsmanship

• Painting:

  • 100% hand-painted on both sides

  • Entirely executed in 18K gold

• Frame:

  • Full 18K gold Gau box

• Protection:

  • Double sapphire crystal mirrors

  • High-definition, scratch-resistant, long-term clarity

• Finish:

  • Dense detailing, full-coverage Rebgong “full-work” execution

This is not partial gilding and not printed or mixed media—every line and form is painted by hand in gold.

Size & Format

• Format: Mini Thangka Pendant (Gau Box)

• Dimensions: 20 × 26 mm

• Painting size: Custom-fitted to Gau format

Compact yet visually commanding, suitable for both daily wear and altar placement.

Usage & Suitable For

• Personal protection amulet

• Travel or daily-wear Vajrayana pendant

• Meditation or tantric practice support

• A meaningful gift for practitioners seeking obstacle removal, strength, and clarity

• Collectors of wrathful deity iconography and Rebgong art

What You Will Receive

• 1 × Mahakala double-sided 18K gold hand-painted Thangka Pendant

• Secure Gau box with sapphire crystal protection

• Protective packaging suitable for gifting or storage

Cultural & Ethical Note

This artwork is created as a religious and cultural object, rooted in Tibetan Buddhist artistic tradition.
It is not a talisman guaranteeing outcomes, nor a substitute for medical, legal, or personal decisions. Its value lies in symbolism, devotion, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage.