Country Group: The Himalayas (Tibet, Nepal, Mongolia and Other)

Item id: 8405

This fine Mongolian appliqué Thangka, likely mid-20th century, is crafted from an exceptional assortment of antique silks, each with its own distinct weave and pattern. The rich layering of older textiles gives the image remarkable depth and texture—qualities seldom found in modern examples. Similar pieces were briefly available on the market in the 1990s, when this one was acquired; today, nearly all such works are made from new silk, as the supply of old material vanished more than a decade ago.



The piece would benefit from a gentle cleaning and has a single burn hole in the surrounding framing cloth (not within the painted image itself). Many dealers would label this 19th century; while it was likely made for worship during the Soviet era, its use of older silks and traditional construction makes it very hard to find now. The inner image measures 13.5"" x 18.75"", while the full textile frame is an impressive 33"" x 26.25""—a striking and authentic example of Mongolian appliqué artistry.