Historical information

Thangkas are cloth scrolls unique to Tibetan Buddhism, depicting deities, venerated spiritual figures, or common religious symbols. Intended for personal meditation or instruction of monastic students, they are invested with the spirit of a deity to whom they are consecrated. A thangka is a composite three-dimensional object consisting of a picture panel which is painted or embroidered; a brocade mounting; and one or more of the following: a silk cover, leather corners, wooden dowels at the top and bottom and metal or wooden decorative knobs on the bottom dowel.

Significance

The Shakyamuni Buddha thangka embodies the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, whose journey to enlightenment and then teaching forms the cornerstone of Buddhist philosophy.

Physical description

A Tibetan thangka depicting Shakyamuni Buddha.