Thangka is a hand-painted Buddhist scroll of exceptional quality. Buddhist Art has gained widespread popularity among the western arts and crafts buyers.
The word “Thangka” is believed to have derived from the Tibetan word “thang ku” (thang sku) where thang refers to a flat surface (canvas) and ku refers to body or image of deity. Hence thang ku together means image of deity and Mandala painted on flat surface or canvas. It is painted on silk or cotton fabrics using bright colors of hues.
Thangka depicts various facts of Vajrayana Buddhism. It is Buddhist iconographic painting used as visual support for mediation practice. Each Thangka carries the historical meaning and a plan for visualization, evocation and worship of preceptor deity. It is an object of devotion and an aid to spiritual practices. Buddhist takes Thangka as an object of religious importance.
Thangkas are used as wall decorations in today’s modern world. Thangka come in several varieties of styles, depicting various subjects and modes. Colorful Thangka paintings generally represent Buddhist and Hindu Gods, Goddesses, Buddha and his life cycle, Wheel of Life, Mandala, etc. A Thangka may portray the Buddha or some other deity, or a concept in Tibetan cosmology, astrology or medicine. The iconography of the Thangka is rich in information about the spiritual practice of Buddhists and the Tibetan world view. A Thangka can help a meditator to learn and emulate the qualities of a particular deity, or to visualize his or her path towards enlightenment. It is strongly believed that Thangka brings blessings on the householder and serves as a constant reminder of the Buddha’s teachings of loving-kindness and compassion. Thangka of particular deities are used for protection or to overcome difficulties such as sickness and bad luck.
Thangka painting involves mastery of many techniques: mastery in sketching the illustrations and numerous deities according to formal iconographic rules laid down by generations of artists; learning to grind and apply the paints, which are made from natural stone pigments; and learning to prepare and apply details in pure gold. From the canvas preparation and drawing of the subject, through to mixing and applying colors, decorating with gold, and mounting the finished work in brocade, the creation of a Thangka painting involves skill and care at each stage and displays meticulous detail and exquisite artisanship. Thangka painting requires extended concentration, attention to detail, and knowledge of Buddhist philosophy, and must be carried out in a peaceful environment.