The Tibetan Thangka painting can be described as a form of scroll-banner painting. The word thang in Tibetan means “unfolding” or “displaying” and the whole word thangka can be translated to “silk, satin or cloth painting scroll”. Tibetan religious images and themes are either painted on scrolls or embroidered on wall hangings of silk or other forms of cloth material.
The thangka painting is associated with worship and prayer. It has a strong connection to Buddhism and features heavily religious symbols and motifs. It was originally hung in monasteries, above family alters or carried by monks in ceremonial rituals. They became popular with travelling monks as the scroll could be easily transported when rolled. They were important teaching tools for the teachings of Buddhism.
It is not known when thangka paintings first originated in China; however, it is believed to have been established around the 7th century when Buddhism was brought to Tibet. It has been widely influenced by Chinese and Nepalese painting techniques over the centuries.
Tibetan thangka paintings were very popular during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1912) Dynasties after the Central Government allowed Tibetan chieftains to have control over Tibet. Tibetan society flourished, along with its cultural arts and crafts. Many painting organizations and schools of thangka paintings were developed during these periods of history.
Tibetan thangka paintings feature mainly religious motifs and Tibetan historical images. Designs focus on historical events, biographies, religious doctrines, Tibetan natural conditions and social customs, folklore, myths and images of great deities and Buddhas. Artists must follow sacred laws for portraying gods and Buddhas. Buddhist passages are written on the back of the paintings in vermilion. Bright colours and line drawings distinguish the Tibetan designs from other paintings. It is hard to tell who the artist was or from which era is was painted as the thangkas are always left unsigned.
Most thangkas are rectangular in shape and are usually made from cotton canvases or linen cloths. Mineral and organic pigments are used to paint amazing images and designs. Important thangkas feature grounded gold and gemstones as pigments. Thangka paintings are either printed or embroidered onto a colourful piece of silk. For easier hanging, a wooden stick is attached on the side of the painting reaching from the bottom to the top corner.
To begin painting, the artist stretches a piece of cotton cloth over a wooden frame spanning each corner. Plaster is then spread over the front and back of the canvas to fill up the holes. The plaster is scraped off revealing a smooth surface ideal for painting.
A rough sketch of the design is drawn on the canvas followed by fixed proportioning. The usual pattern features a large image of a deity or saint in the centre of the canvas with other smaller deities and monks surrounding the central image.
The artist then begins the painting process. Black, green, red, yellow and white are the basic colours applied to most thangka paintings. Pigments are mixed with animal glue and ox bile to retain their bright shades. Shading is then done to compliment the outlines of the images.
Facial features and eyes are painted last so fine detail can be added. The canvas is then removed from the wooden frame and embroidered or printed onto a piece of brocaded silk. A dust cover of gossamer silk is added to the painting.
The Tibetan thangka paintings symbolize devotion and worship. They are commonly used as spiritual teachings and help guide people in their Buddhist lifestyle. The vivid designs and detailed images attract people’s attention from across the world. Tibetan thangkas are becoming known throughout the world for their combination of exquisite art and spiritual aesthesia.
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