This is an old oil varnished hand-painted Citipati Tibetan Thangka, one of the finest Asian art form, that is written on a canvas using gold and natural colors. Citipati, a happy couple is also called the ?Lord and Lady of the Charnel Grounds? and they are the principal Dharma protectors that are associated with the tantric systems of Vajrayogini. Meditation practices on the charnel grounds were a common tantric practice with the Indian Mahasiddhas, especially connected to the Heruka Chakrasamvara/Yogini transmission lineage. These above-ground sites were places that were covered with human flesh, bones, and blood, where corpses were brought to be cremated -if one could afford the wood- but more often they were left to be ripped apart and eaten by wild animals, such as vultures. These frightening places were far from town where no one usually went, except for these yogis who came to contemplate and meditate on the impermanence of all phenomena. These happy-looking skeletons are also a common feature at the Cham Lama dances that are held by the monasteries at certain Buddhist festivals. These events are livelily costumed and masked dances performed by monks and accompanied by music played on traditional Tibetan instruments. Size with Silk Brocade: : 37 X 49 Inch (94. x 124 cm ) Size of Inner Painting: : 18 X 23 Inch (46 x 58 cm ) Surface Material: Handmade Cotton Canvas Colors Use: Tibetan Canvas Cotton, Water, Poster Colors With Tibetan Hide Glue Mixture The thangka is not a flat creation like an oil painting or acrylic painting but consists of a complex subject. Generally, thangkas last a very long time and retain much of their luster, but because of their delicate nature, they have to be kept in dry places where moisture won't affect the quality of the painting. The Thangkas serve as important teaching tools depicting the life of the Buddha, various influential lamas and other deities and Bodhisattvas. The Thangka, when created properly, perform several different functions. Images of deities can be used as teaching tools when depicting the life (or lives) of the Buddha, describing historical events concerning important Lamas, or retelling myths associated with other deities. The Devotional images act as the centerpiece during a ritual or ceremony and are often used as mediums through which one can offer prayers or make requests. Please take note of the following: - Color Variance: Please be aware that the actual color of the paintings may exhibit slight variations due to the light conditions during photo shooting and the resolution of computer screens. - In-Person Brilliance: The visual impact of the paintings is more captivating when experienced in person, surpassing the representation captured in photographs. - Size Clarification: Please note that the mentioned size of the painting does not account for the outer border, which contributes to a nuanced and visually dynamic presentation. - Secure Packaging: To ensure the safe delivery of these artistic treasures, each painting will be meticulously packed inside a PVC Tube, guaranteeing safety during transportation. - Buyer's Responsibility: Please be aware that any import duties, taxes, and additional charges at the destination country are the sole responsibility of the buyer, adding a layer of transparency to the purchasing process.