The Medicine Buddha, or Sangye Menla, is one of the easiest thangkas to recognise. He is painted deep blue, the colour of lapis lazuli, and holds a bowl in his left hand and a sprig of the myrobalan plant in his right. In Tibetan tradition he stands for healing of both body and mind, which is why many families keep his image in a bedroom, a study or near the place where they rest and recover.

When choosing one, look closely at the blue. Ground mineral blue has a soft, slightly grainy depth that flat synthetic paint does not have, and the fine gold lines on the robe should be sharp and even. Buy authentic thangka painting from someone who can tell you which pigments were used and how long the piece took, because a detailed Medicine Buddha usually needs several weeks of work.

For placement, keep it at eye level or a little higher, away from direct sun and damp walls, and never on the floor or below the feet. A small clean shelf beneath it for a lamp or a flower is a nice traditional touch.