A History of Fine Art in India and Ceylon, from the Earliest Times to the Present Day c15.s3.t1.2

c15.s3.t1.2

Painting is still extensively practised by Tibetan Lamas for the purposes of their ritualistic worship and as a source of income. Usually the compositions are depicted on long narrow banners of either silk or cotton. They may be painted either directly on the fabric or on a coat of plaster applied to it. Pictures on paper also exist. The silken banners obtained by Dr. Stein from a walled-up temple near the Chinese frontier, and dating from the seventh or eighth century, closely resemble those now made by the Lamas, who follow strictly prescribed ritual rules. The Lamas also execute frescoes on the temple walls, some of which, according to travellers, are remarkable compositions.