In the west, the dragon was always portrayed as a monster. However, in the orient, the dragon is considered to be a universal symbol of harmony, virtue, prosperity, change, energy and creativity. Carved images of the dragon date back to the 5th century BC in China. The Tibetan term for the dragon refers to the sound of thunder. Its magnificent coat of luminescent scales is just one part of the ancient myth that continues to inspire and endure.
This wall plaque is handmade in Nepal in a traditional way using unseasoned soft-woods locally known as Utish (alnusnepalensis), sallo (pine) or halluo (adina cordifolia). Once dried in the sun and prepared for work a layer of white paint is applied to the wood. A master painter trained in the art of Tibetan thanka painting sketches the design and begins working with artificial and natural colors similar to the paints traditionally used on thankas. The final finish is a burnt vegetable oil. It is natural for some bending and cracking to occur in this type of decor which was traditionally used in the creation of furniture for nobility and temples. (5 1/2" h x 16" w)
