Prayer Flag Art Appraisal

Tibetan Buddhist Thangka Painting

This is a large-format Tibetan Thangka painting featured in a square composition, likely executed on treated cotton canvas using mineral pigments. The artwork is divided into distinct iconographic zones. The right side prominently features a seated deity or bodhisattva, possibly Tara or a donor figure, identifiable by the orange-toned skin, elaborate jewelry, and green flowing robes, set within a vibrant blue mandorla. Below this figure is a sacred syllable or seed syllable (bija) inside a circular medallion. To the left, a smaller interior panel depicts a wrathful deity, possibly Mahakala or Vajrapani, surrounded by flames and a border of human skulls, signifying protection and the destruction of ego. The lower section illustrates three distinct stupas (chortens) in various colors (blue, white, and gold), representing the stages of the path to enlightenment. The top and bottom margins are heavily inscribed with Tibetan Uchen script, likely mantras or dedicatory prayers. The overall palette is rich and diverse, utilizing earthy reds, deep blues, and golds. The condition shows some surface wear and potential fading consistent with mid-to-late 20th-century origins, though the intricate linework suggests a high degree of traditional craftsmanship. The piece is currently displayed in a modern, thin metallic frame, which protects the edges of the textile.