Thangka. Bali, Indonesia, late 19th century-early 20th century.

Thangka. Bali, Indonesia, late 19th-early 20th century.
"Bima among beings of the underworld".
Painting on cotton canvas.
Measurements: 89 x 78 cm; 105 x 103 cm (frame).

The representation of this thangka could pay homage to the Pandava Bima fighting against the infernal beings. Although thangka usually contain Buddhist iconography, sometimes they are also imbued with Hindu traditions, in this case from the epic poem Mahabharata, popular in several Asian countries.

Thangkas are Buddhist banners, painted or embroidered on silk, other fabrics or paper, which can be rolled up. They were hung in monasteries and family altars, and occasionally carried by monks in religious processions. Originally, thangka paintings were popular with itinerant monks, as scroll paintings were easy to transport from one monastery to another. They were also important teaching tools, depicting scenes from the life of the Buddha, prominent lamas and bodhisattvas.