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hi everyone. i found this today and was just amazed by the rich color and detail in this painting. unfortunately, i have no idea what it is. the closest thing i've been able to find online to it is known as a Thangka painting. it's nicely framed and under glass, and i would really like to not have to take it out if possible. it measures 6 7/8" x 9 1/2". what i notice under magnification is that there are folds in the backing material. i can't tell if this material is cloth or paper. i would really love to find out what to call this artwork, what the subject of this piece is, and how old it might be. any information or leads will be greatly appreciated...thanks.

Not a Thanka. They are Buddhist. This is Hindu, and possibly from Bali or East Java.

I think the main image is the Barong, and the smaller image could then be the witch Rangda. The Barong represents Good, and the constant battle is between Rangda and the Barong.

Usually, Rangda is seen with fierce teeth and gaping mouth, while the Barong has a smaller mouth and teeth. Here the Rangda figure appears to be weeping - maybe because she's lost this battle.

Rangda-Barong performances are often performed in Balinese villages, accompanied by the Gamelan orchestra.

thank you so much. after i uploaded this i started thinking, it must be a Foo Dog. to my eye that's what it looks like. i was way off.

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