Late 16th - 17th century

Vaishravana, Lord of Wealth

This is the only example in the Museum's collection of a ser thang or "golden painting," a format popular among wealthy Tibetans since the fifteenth century. The paint is pure gold suspended in glue. A sign of conspicuous consumption due to the great expense of covering the entire work in gold, this type of painting-especially one so large-is quite uncommon. The painting's theme also revolves around affluence. The central deity, Vaishravana, Lord of Wealth, is surrounded by divine and terrestrial attendants. To ensure continued prosperity, groups of monks and layfolk-representing numerous cultures along rich trade routes-offer Vaishravana luxurious textiles, sacred texts, musical instruments, gemstones, and exotic fruits.