Eight Transformations of Padmasambhava : Pad-ma-rgyal-po

This thangka is one of a set of nine thangkas depicting Padmasambhava, the founder of the rNying-ma-pa school, and his eight transformations. The "eight transformations" refer to eight forms said to have been assumed by Padmasambhava in the course of his legendary life.
The present set consists of a central thangka, representing Padmasambhava as the subjugator of all things (Gu ru snang srid zil gnon), and eight thangkas to the left and right of the central thangka that depict his eight transfomations : (1) Padmabyunggnas, (2) Padmasambha, (3) Padmargyalpo, (4) rDorjegrolod, (5) Nyimaodzer, (6) Shakyasengge, (7) Senggesgrassgrog, and (8) Bloldanmchogsred.
This eight transformations of Padmasambhava are one of the most widespread motifs on Tibetan Buddhist art, and many examples are to be found in collections throughout the world. There are, however, very few early sets, and therefore this complete set is of considerable value.