Framed Tibetan Silk Thangka on Embroidered Fabric Background. Masterful depiction of the Buddhist mandala, with figures throughout is cosmic symmetry. Small label on back of gold gilt frame. 

Overall Size: 64 x 43 in. 

Sight Size: 59 1/2 x 39 in. 

A thangka is a Tibetan Buddhist painting on cotton or silk applique, usually depicting a Buddhist deity, scene, or mandala. Thangkas are traditionally kept unframed and rolled up when not on display during religious festivals, mounted on a textile backing somewhat in the style of Chinese scroll paintings, with a further silk cover on the front. So treated, thangkas can last a long time, but because of their delicate nature, they have to be kept in dry places where moisture will not affect the quality of the silk. Most thangkas are intended for personal meditation or instruction of monastic students, and often have elaborate compositions including many very small figures and a central deity usually surrounded by other religious figures in a symmetrical composition. 

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