File Photo: Thangkas

A SHENZHEN resident has a collection of more than 40 ancient Thangkas, or grand Buddhist paintings from Tibet, the Shenzhen Evening News reported Tuesday (May 30).

A Thangka is a scroll painting usually done on cloth. It plays an important role in Tibetan Buddhist rituals.

Ren Zhilu, head of the city's relics appraisal authorities, confirmed that the Thangkas owned by a man surnamed Peng are genuine and priceless, the report said. Most of the paintings are from the Tang Dynasty (618-907), with the newest one dating back to the Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368).

Ren said Peng's collection is rare in the country in terms of variety and age of the paintings.

Peng, a native of Qinghai Province in Northwest China, said a large part of the collection was handed down from his ancestors, who received the Thangkas from a monastery in his hometown.

Peng has promised to exhibit his collection at an folk culture relics fair in Shenzhen next year, which will invite national experts in the field.

Editor: Wing