LHASA, Oct. 11 (Xinhua) -- An exhibition featuring realistic Thangka paintings began Thursday in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region.

A total of 60 realistic Thangka paintings went on display in the regional capital Lhasa.

Thangka are Tibetan Buddhist artworks painted on cotton or silk. The religious paintings can be traced back to the 10th century and typically depict Buddhist deities.

Realistic Thangka painting is an intangible cultural heritage in Tibet. The realistic school was created by master Amdo Changpa. Such paintings usually depict the real lives of people, while some works show figures and events in history.

"Realistic Thangka paintings have harmonious colors and are done with extreme delicacy," said Dampa Rabten of Tibet University School of Arts. "The paintings can help with research on Tibet's social systems and local development."