Tibetan Hand Painted Tsakli Ritual Card

Red robes, gold halo, red surround, and nothing wasted.

Tibetan artists painted this tsakli ritual card in paper and pigment in the early 19th century. Tsakli are commonly used as part of Tibetan Buddhist initiation practice, and many depict teachers or deities. This one shows a seated figure in dark red robes with a golden halo, framed by a vivid red border. The faces and hands are drawn in tiny, careful strokes. Fine wear softens the corners. A white mat and slim black frame hold it.

Framed at about 18 by 15 inches. Concentrated devotion, in miniature.