A Qing Dynasty thangka portrays Manjushri Nagaraksha, a deity believed to protect people from plagues. [Photo provided to China Daily]

"It depicts Kubera, a protector and lord of wealth, who's framed with an exquisite brocade decorated with raised floral patterns in gold and silver threads, presenting the most highly developed weaving techniques at the time."

She adds the smallest painting on show depicts Jetsun Milarepa, a Tibetan Buddhist master and accomplished poet. The thangka, which measures 29 centimeters by 20 cm, shows Milarepa clad in white. His skin appears greenish grey because of his solitary lifestyle and strict diet. He strikes his typical pose with his right hand to his ear as he listens to his own singing.

The exhibition shows the museum's rich collection of thangka paintings, depicting famous teachers of four schools of Tibetan Buddhism, such as Tsongkhapa.

It also shows depictions of other major deities. For example, two paintings, including one donated by Shen, depict Nagaraksha who has a wrathful look on his face. He has nine fierce faces and 18 hands, and his lower body is a serpent tail. The deity is believed to protect people from noxious plagues.

A section at the exhibition focuses on various goddesses and protectors portrayed in thangka.

Two paintings, both against a black background, are from Shen's old collection.