This exquisite piece was purchased from a dealer in northern Thailand. It was made by a Tibetan monk and took over
one month to create. To create the colors, the monk first ground various materials, lapis lazuli for some blues, for instance, then mixed them with a carrier
so they could be painted onto the fabric backing. It appears to be a stiff canvas backing which has been painted with some sort of varnish to fill the weave
and make it smooth. It measures approximately 17 3/4" by 24".
Many thangkas are available for a much lower price, but they are mass produced using non-traditional
methods and are of an inferior quality. They are readily available for 1/10th the price of this piece. This however, is the real thing. The exquisite detail and
traditional design make it a true thing of beauty which must be seen in person to be fully appreciated.
