Thangkas for the memory

A thangka is a painting on cotton, or silk applique, usually depicting a Buddhist deity or scene. It often takes the form of a scroll banner but it is not flat, unlike oil or acrylic paintings.

In Tibetan thang means "to display", and ka means "silk", although most are painted on cotton.

A thankga consists of a picture panel that is then painted or embroidered. Generally, they last a long time and retain much of their luster, but because of their delicate nature they have to be kept in dry places where moisture will not affect the quality of the silk.