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There are several types of objects that are created to represent offerings in Himalayan and Tibetan art. They can first be divided by medium: sculpture, painting and textile - applique and embroidery. Most of these objects are created as sets making it important to be aware of the Number Sets associated with offering objects.

The various mediums for sculpture can be almost anything that can render an object in three dimensions. Metal, clay, wood or stone are the most common materials. Painting and textile are only divided by medium and technique, otherwise the subjects and uses are the same for both. There are three styles of physical format: portrait, landscape and banner. The banners are very long horizontal scrolls intended to hang in temples. The portrait and landscape format styles are generally more iconographic while the banners are more decorative with repeating designs and motifs

Sculpture is employed primarily for Peaceful Offerings subjects & types:

- Human Figure

- Animal Figure

- Symbol Sets

- Mandala Plate



Painting and textiles are used more for Wrathful Offerings, subjects and types:

- Mount Meru & Miscellaneous Offerings

- Stylized Food (torma)

- Animals (from sets of offering paintings)

- Multiple Deity Attributes in a single composition

- Single Deity Attribute Composition