This is an important 18th century thangka of one of the most popular Mongolian pre-Buddhist shamanic deities - the White Old Man. He is a God of Fertility and also the symbol of a Long Life and Prosperity. He is Spirit of the Earth and ancient sage- as earth father he is revered as the master of the land, rivers and mountains, birds and animals. He manifests strength and deep connection to the land. The witnessing presence of Buddha Amitahba (top left-hand side) confers both immediate links to Mongolian Buddhism and a more immediate connection to long life practises.

This thangka is extremely finely painting in a style that shows strong influences from Eastern Tibet and China . Sitting amidst an earthly paradise with mountains and streams we witness the sage holding a devotional mala in one hand and supporting himself with a stylised dragon staff. Upon his staff of roughly hewn wood hang small cymbals or tingshas - vehicles for sound offering and dispelling any evil spirits. The painting itself is mounted in a fine blue silk brocade and the protective silk curtains are wholly intact. Altogether, this thangka is in splendid condition with no losses and wear commensurate with age and devotional use. The central meditational deity is rendered in a delicately balanced palette of pastel shades.

Mongolians' respect for The White Old Man was such that upon the introduction of Buddhism he was immediately included in the Buddhist pantheon as a legendary holy hermit. Buddhas and saints are said to come and seek his counsel and listen to his sermons. The White Old Man is also a leading character of the Tsam - a shamanic mystery play, which originated in Tibet . In the Mongolian Buddhist tsam dances the White Old Man plays a comic role.

This painting manifests all of the power of Tsagaan Uvgon. He holds prayer beads and dragon staff and both his facial expression and his obvious empathy with animals and landscape portrayed around him means that he exudes a powerful earth magic.