Thangka. Tibet, late 19th century.

Thangka. Tibet, late 19th century.
Painting on silk.
Size: 100 x 71 cm.
Tibetan thangkas are Buddhist banners, painted or embroidered on silk, other fabrics or paper, which can be rolled up. They were hung in monasteries and family altars, and occasionally carried by monks in religious processions. Originally, thangka paintings were popular with itinerant monks, as scroll paintings were easy to transport from one monastery to another. They were also important teaching tools, depicting scenes from the life of the Buddha, prominent lamas and bodhisattvas.