Tempera On Cloth Collection

Mandala of Chakrasamvara, c1400. Creator: Unknown
Mandala of Chakrasamvara, c1400. Chakrasamvara, a semi-wrathful Buddha, is represented in dark blue at the centre, united with his female partner, the red Vajravarahi

Vajradhara with Mahasiddhas, c1400. Creator: Unknown
Vajradhara with Mahasiddhas, c1400. Vajradhara, the primordial Buddha, is considered to be the original teacher of the tantric Buddhist (Vajrayana) teachings

Khenchen Tashi Tshultrim and His Ordination Lineage, c1400. Creator: Unknown
Khenchen Tashi Tshultrim and His Ordination Lineage, c1400. This masterful and meticulous portrait shows an abbot within a niche - one ornamented with lively scrollwork influenced by the traditions

Abbots of the Ngor Monastery, late 16th century. Creator: Unknown
Abbots of the Ngor Monastery, late 16th century. The first two abbots of the Ngor Monastery in central Tibet, the older Sempa Chenpo and the younger Jamyang Sherab Gyatsho

Green Tara, 1160s-1180s. Creator: Unknown
Green Tara, 1160s-1180s. This Buddhist "thangka" (or "thanka, " scroll painting) depicts the enlightened Buddha and compassionate goddess Tara

Portrait of a Tibetan Monk, 12th century. Creator: Unknown
Portrait of a Tibetan Monk, 12th century. Wearing the robes of a Tibetan Buddhist monk, the individual depicted in this portrait was probably a teacher of the Kadampa order

Mahasiddhas Shavaripa and Dharikapa, c1600. Creator: Unknown
Mahasiddhas Shavaripa and Dharikapa, c1600. Painted in a style closely related to Chinese painting, two of the eighty-four mahasiddhas ("great perfected ones")

Vajrabhairava with Vajravetali, 18th century. Creator: Unknown
Vajrabhairava with Vajravetali, 18th century. The enlightened wrathful deity Vajrabhairava, Buddhist conqueror of death, embraces his female partner, Vajravetali

Arhat Rahula, 1400-1450. Creator: Unknown
Arhat Rahula, 1400-1450. The Buddha Shakyamuni had a son named Rahula, who became a disciple of his father. Tibetan monks regard him as a spiritual ancestor

Buddha Shakyamuni with "Jataka" Tales, late 17th-early 18th century. Creator: Unknown
Buddha Shakyamuni with "Jataka" Tales, late 17th-early 18th century. The Buddha Shakyamuni, who lived in the 6th-5th century BC, is shown here telling stories of his previous existences

Raktayamari and Vajravetali, early 14th century. Creator: Unknown
Raktayamari and Vajravetali, early 14th century. The Buddhist deity Raktayamari embraces his female partner, Vajravetali, their union symbolizing the bliss of enlightenment

Kuyalwa, Second Abbot of Taklung Monastery, with Three Lineages, mid-13th century. Creator: Unknown
Kuyalwa, Second Abbot of Taklung Monastery, with Three Lineages, mid-13th century. This painting commemorates Kuyalwa (1191-1236), the second abbot of Taklung Monastery in central Tibet

Vajrayogini as Naro Dakini, 18th century. Creator: Unknown
Vajrayogini as Naro Dakini, 18th century. The goddess and Buddha Vajrayogini lunges powerfully as she tramples two figures that symbolize the three mental poisons: delusion, hatred, and desire

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Tempera on cloth is a unique and ancient art form that dates back to the Byzantine era. This technique involves using pigments mixed with egg yolk or other binders to create vibrant and long-lasting paintings on fabric. The smooth texture of the cloth allows for intricate details and precise brushwork, resulting in stunning works of art that can be displayed as tapestries or wall hangings. Unlike traditional canvas paintings, it offers a different aesthetic appeal with its soft and flexible surface. Artists have been known to use this medium to depict religious scenes, historical events, or even everyday life in exquisite detail. The durability of tempera paint ensures that these artworks will stand the test of time, making them valuable pieces for collectors and enthusiasts alike. Whether used for decorative purposes or as a means of storytelling, tempera on cloth remains a popular choice among artists looking to explore new techniques and materials. Its versatility allows for experimentation with color mixing, layering, and shading techniques that can result in truly breathtaking compositions. So next time you come across a piece artwork, take a moment to appreciate the skill and craftsmanship that went into creating it.