18th - 19th century

Temple Hanging (Phan)

This extraordinary banner represents several levels of riches. Silver- and gold-wrapped threads are woven into the ornate brocades. Golden-colored swinging bells and earrings represent gold itself. Multicolored wish-granting jewels rain from the sky, indicating material affluence-such as life-giving rains-and spiritual wealth to be reaped by the faithful. Three of the twelve animals of the Tibetan zodiac (a dog, a sheep, and a monkey) as well as a snow lion (one of four directional animals) suggest that this was one of four banners that once decorated the sumptuous interior of a Tibetan temple.