Hand Painted Tibetan Buddhist Thanka

A thanka, or thangka, painting is a Tibetan Buddhist painting on cotton, silk appliqué, usually depicting a Buddhist deity, scene, or mandala. Thankas are traditionally kept unframed and rolled up when not on display, mounted on a textile backing somewhat in the style of Chinese scroll paintings, with a further silk cover on the front. So treated, thankas 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.

This thanka depicts Shakyamuni Buddha (the historical Buddha). It is hand-painted on silk, with an attached yellow covering meant to cover the painting when not in use. This is a vintage item, sold as is. The wear and tear is considered in the price. We've provided close-ups of the wear on the dowels that hold the scroll.