Achala Chandamaharoshana Tibet, 13th Century

Tibet Museum Photo Courtesy of Bowers Museum This thangka, or devotional painting, is remarkable for its excellent condition, given its date to the 13th century. The high altitude and dry alpine climate of Tibet have kept many artworks in near pristine condition, making it a treasury for Tibetan works and the many priceless objects presented to the Dalai Lamas by foreign courts. This example features kesi silk, a type of silk intricately woven to create a three-dimensional surface texture. The wrathful deity, Vajrahasa, appears in the central panel, raising a sword and assuming a threatening pose.

all images and text © Bowers Museum and Tibet Museum