A unique Buddhist thangka has returned to Kalmykia after restoration

After restoration, a unique Buddhist thangka “Maitreya” has returned to the N.N. Palmov National Museum of the Republic of Kalmykia. It was created in the second half of the 19th century. 

The sacred object entered the museum collection in 1985, and since then it has held a special place in the “Buddhist Art” exhibition. 

The canvas “Maitreya,” measuring 385x200 cm, is an exceptional example of Buddhist painting; the only large-format thangka, it was in urgent need of restoration. And so, 3 years ago, the staff of the I.E. Grabar All-Russian Art Scientific and Restoration Center took on this challenging task.

The day before, the National Museum hosted the opening of the unique exhibition “The Light of Maitreya,” at which the revived thangka was presented to a wide circle of visitors. The monks of our Central Khurul performed the ritual of consecrating the Buddhist sacred object.