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8. Banner with symbols of buddhism Tibet 18th c. distemper on silk 101.5 x 68.5 cm / 40 x 27 in |
This banner bears five of the eight symbols of Buddhism. On a background of clouds and leaves the endless knot, the wheel flanked by the pair of fishes, the parasol and the conch are delineated in black ink and lightly coloured. A garland of jewels completes the composition on top. Tibetan chapels and temples are often decorated with the eight symbols (the vase, the umbrella and the lotus would complete the set). The banner, which is not a thang-ka since the lower border of the mount has a scalloped shape instead of the wood roller, was obviously meant to be permanently displayed. That is the reason why the protective silk used to cover the painting and to protect it when rolled is absent here, and only a decorative valance of orange silk hangs from the top part of the mount. The light blue silk damask on which the painting is executed is decorated by a woven floral pattern. |