19th century Tibetan thangka. "Padmasambhava and consorts." Mixed technique on fabric. It has slight flaws in the paint and wear on the side borders. Measurements: 75 x 53 cm; 80 x 61 cm (frame). Thangka with the representation of Padmasambhava, from Tibet. Padmasambhava was the great Buddhist teacher of Uddiyana, in present-day Pakistan, introducer of Buddhism in Tibet during the 8th century AD. He is depicted flanked by his two wives, the Bengali princess Mandarava (right) and the Tibetan Yeshe Tshogyal (left). In the background, a landscape with small villages has been represented. Tibetan thangkas are Buddhist banners, painted or embroidered on silk, other fabrics or paper, which can be rolled. They were hung in monasteries and family altars, and occasionally carried by monks in religious processions. Originally, thangka paintings became popular among itinerant monks, as scroll paintings were easy to transport from one monastery to another. They were also important teaching instruments, as they showed scenes from the life of Buddha, prominent lamas and bodhisattvas.