Tibetan Painted Door

Originally, this early 20th century painted panel from Tibet was likely used as a door. The rich colors and geometric motif are derived from textile patterns, a traditional source of inspiration in Tibetan painted furnishings of the time. This panel is painted with pigment and gesso, offering fantastic texture and dimension. Because there was virtually no consumer class in Tibet during the 19th century to demand luxury goods such as fine furniture, almost all furnishings from the region originated in the monasteries, made by and for the Buddhist monks.