THANGAKA PAINTING:




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THANGAKA PAINTING

hangka painting is a Nepalese art form that came down from Nepal to Tibet. Thangka paintings are essentially painted or embroidered Buddhist banner which are hung in a monastery or a family altar or even carried in ceremonial processions. They were also used by traveling monks who carried them from one monastery to another. In Tibetan language, Thang means flat and implies painting done on a flat surface. It is also known as scroll-painting as it can be rolled up when not displayed.


Thangka paintings can have multiple functions. The images of deities can be used as teaching tools while preaching of Buddha. They can describe the various historical events in the life of the Lamas and narrating mythological stories. These paintings use devotional images as the centerpiece in a ritual and prayers are offered to them.


Thangka paintings are divided into various categories such as:

  • ainted in colors
  • Appliqué
  • black, red and gold background
  • block prints
  • embroidery

Thangka Paintings are popular Tibetan paintings. A ‘Thangka’ is also known as ‘Tanka’, ‘Thanka’ or ‘Tangka’. In Tibetan the word ‘thang’ means flat. Thangka Paintings are painted or embroidered Buddhist banner. It can be seen hung in a monastery or a family altar. Monks carry Thangka paintings it in ceremonial processions. The most common shape of a Thangka is the upright rectangular form.

The origin of Thangka painting lay in Indian religious art, and heavenly draws inspiration from Nepalese, Chinese and Kashmiri styles. The Thangka painting is done on a flat surface. But the Tibetan painting can be rolled and called a scroll-painting. A Thangka is more than just a painting. It is an object of devotion, an aid to spiritual practice, and a bringer of blessings.

Thangka painting come in a variety of styles, portraying the Buddha or other deities. The iconography of the thangka is informative. Hanging a Thangka painting is considered auspicious and brings blessings on the household and serves as a constant reminder of the Buddha’s teachings of compassion, kindness and wisdom.

To make a Thangka requires skill, meticulous detail, mastery in sketching, mastery in techniques and skill to grind. Thangka painting is embellished with paints, gold, and mounting the finished work in brocade.

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