The thangka (“thing that is unrolled” in Tibetan) is a scroll painting and an important format in Himalayan art. They often depict religious figures, Buddhist stories, historical events, and medical theory. The MFA collection includes about 200 thangkas, most of them with religious subjects. Join conservators, including a specialist from the Beijing Palace Museum, to view two of these paintings up close and learn about thangka-making techniques, materials, and their unique textile mountings.

With Hsin-Chen Tsai, Cornelius Van der Starr Conservator of Chinese Paintings, and Dr. Xiaoji Fang, head of thangkas conservation studio, Palace Museum, Beijing, China.

Presented in Mandarin Chinese on January 17, 2025, 3:30 pm, and in English on January 22, 2025, 11:30 am.

Free with general admission. No advance registration or tickets required. Due to space constraints, tours are limited to 12 participants (first come, first served). Tours meet at Sharf Visitor Center. Assistive listening devices available upon request.