An antique 19th Century or earlier tsakli painting in mineral pigments depicting a tiger skin - the symbol of strength, fearlessness and military prowess. A full tiger skin often formed the seat or asana of certain deities, yogins, siddhas, oracles and great teachers. This has its origin in Hindu tradition, where Shiva killed the tiger of desire and used its skin as his meditation seat, symbolising his transcendence over desire. Wrathful male deities usually wear a dhoti or lower garment of tiger skin. This tsakli has a seam down one side along the red edge - barely visible from the front, - cotton cloth was scarce, and before industrialisation it was woven on narrow 'backstrap looms' and expensive in Tibet until comparatively recently - therefore it was used carefully, and pieces joined before sizing and painting. This seam is a good indication of age - not a flaw. 1 syllable to reverse. 9.8 x 12.5cm