A study in painting / Potala Karma
Thangka:
figures & meaning.
Look closely at the painted image — its line, its gestures and the stories carried within the frame.
An illustrated guide to the figures in the collection, with English notes on their cultural and devotional meanings.
Explore the figures
The painter's hand
Small gestures.
Patient detail.
From pigment and stretched cloth to close brushwork and the display of finished images, the photographs follow the attention given to the painted image. They offer a way to look at the attention that painting asks of its maker.
This chapter introduces thangka painting and imagery. The materials, construction and technique of an individual pendant are described on its product page.
Begin with what you can see: the number of faces and arms, the objects held, the posture, the mount and the surrounding figures. A name in a caption is a starting point for study, rather than proof on its own.
A moment in the temple
An image carried
into a moment of devotion.
A small pendant is held within a living temple scene. Watch the movement of incense, the courtyard and the object held in the hand.
Devotional meanings belong to communities, practices and individual beliefs. They are shared here as cultural context.
An illustrated companion
Figures & meaning
Explore the artwork and the English notes side by side. Zodiac pairings below reproduce folk associations in the supplied guide; they are not a universal rule across Buddhist traditions.
Auspiciousness · Courage · Protection
Zaki Lhamo
A protective figure associated with Lhasa devotion. The supplied guide connects her with auspiciousness, courage and steadfastness. These are traditional meanings carried by the image.
Prosperity · Generosity
Yellow Jambhala
A yellow wealth deity in Tibetan Buddhist imagery. In devotional interpretation, his image is associated with prosperity, generosity and the wish to overcome scarcity.
Compassionate action · Courage
Green Tara
A female enlightened figure closely associated with compassionate activity. The supplied guide presents her as a guardian and a symbol of help, courage and liberation from fear.
View the English illustrated sheet
Healing traditions · Well-being
Medicine Buddha
Known as Bhaisajyaguru, the Medicine Buddha is associated with healing and compassionate care in Buddhist devotion. His image expresses a wish for well-being and peace for oneself and others.
Supplied as Vairocana · Identification unconfirmed
White Crowned Figure
The supplied chart labels this image Vairocana, a Buddha associated with illumination and wisdom. The identification of this particular painted figure is unconfirmed, so the original attribution is kept as a source label rather than a verified name.
Steadfastness · Resolve
Acala
Also called Fudo Myoo in Japan, Acala is a wrathful protective figure. His fierce appearance is traditionally read as steadfast resolve and the wisdom to confront obstacles. The supplied guide pairs him with the Rooster in folk zodiac practice.
View the English illustrated sheet
Wealth-deity imagery · Five colours
Five Jambhalas
The supplied composition gathers wealth-deity imagery around yellow, green, red, white and black forms. Their traditional associations concern prosperity and generosity; the precise grouping and interpretation vary between traditions.
Wisdom · Insight · Learning
Manjushri
The bodhisattva of wisdom. A sword, a scripture and a lotus are familiar attributes in his imagery, expressing insight and the cutting through of confusion. The supplied guide includes the Rabbit as a folk zodiac association.
Teacher · Practice · Continuity
Padmasambhava
Known in Tibetan as Guru Rinpoche, Padmasambhava is a central teacher in Tibetan Buddhist tradition. His image is associated with teaching, spiritual practice and the wish to overcome obstacles on the path.
View the English illustrated sheet
Great vows · Virtuous action
Samantabhadra
In the East Asian form shown in the supplied guide, Samantabhadra is linked with an elephant and the practice of great vows and virtuous action. The guide associates him with the Dragon and Snake in folk zodiac practice.
Infinite light · Aspiration
Amitabha
The Buddha of Infinite Light, central to Pure Land traditions. His image is associated with clarity, release from suffering and aspiration towards awakening. The supplied guide gives the Dog and Pig as folk zodiac associations.
Compassion · Care for all beings
Four-Armed Avalokiteshvara
The bodhisattva of compassion, known as Chenrezig in Tibet. Four-armed imagery commonly brings two hands together at the heart, with a rosary and lotus in the outer hands. The supplied guide pairs this form with the Rat in folk zodiac practice.
View the English illustrated sheet
