What is a thangka painting?
Thangka: also spelled as tangka, thanka or tanka is a Tibetan Buddhist painting made on cotton, silk applique that usually demonstrates a Buddhist deity, scene or Mandala. The Thangkas are based on certain themes such as history, policy, culture, social life and so on.
What is the history of thangkas?
The Thangkas took their form alongside the wall paintings in the monasteries in Tibet. In Nepal, the history of the Thangkas dates back to the 14 th century. Historically, the Nepalese styles made a significant influence in Tibet art. There was evidence of the Tibetan and Chinese influences in Nepalese paintings like Paubhas (Thangkas).
What is the history of Thanka art?
The early history of the form is more easily traced through these murals, which survive in greater numbers than the portable paintings which certainly once existed. Most thanka were commissioned by individuals, who were believed to acquire merit by doing so.
Where can I find media related to thangka?
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Thangka. "Tibetan Art Forms: Menluk, Khyenluk and Gardri". Thangka Painting School in Nepal Collective of thangka artists of the Kathmandu Valley. 'Norbulingka thangka's Norbulingka Institute - Tibetan Thangka Paintings from the Tibetan Government's Institute under the Chairmanship of the Dalai Lama.
What is special about thangka painting?
The thangka is very much a part of Sikkimese Buddhism and it is painted in the traditional Tibetan style. A thangka could depict a deity, a mandala (geometric figure with symbolic meaning that is also used as an aid in meditation), or a spiritually significant event from the life of a Buddhist master.
What is the purpose of thangka art?
Thangkas have a variety of uses, but they are mostly used as a means of gaining merit, in death rituals, during meditation, and in Buddhist ceremonies. In order to learn more about Tibetan Buddhism, I spent two and a half weeks studying thangka painting.
How is thanka made?
Making of Thanka The white cloth is first mounted on a frame and water-based colloid chalk is applied to the surface. It is polished with talc when dried. The canvas is thus ready for painting. Apart from this, there are thanka which are webs of embroidery, woven silk, silk tapestry or appliqué.
What does a thangka represent?
Thangka serve as important teaching tools depicting the life of the Buddha, various influential lamas and other deities and bodhisattvas. One subject is The Wheel of Life (Bhavachakra), which is a visual representation of the Abhidharma teachings (Art of Enlightenment).
How much does a thangka cost?
$1000 to $15000Cost of a Thangka Painting An original Thangka Painting would cost anywhere from $1000 to $15000. The cost of a Thangka depends upon its size and the intricate detailing. An artist works up to 8 hrs a day for more than five months to complete an average Thangka painting.
Where did thangka originate?
The art form originated in Nepal in the 7th century, developing into several schools of painting. Historically, thangkas were used as teaching aids. A lama or teacher would travel giving talks on Buddha's life and teachings.
What is the design of thangka painting?
Thangka is a complex three-dimensional object consisting of a picture panel which is painted or embroidered on silk or cotton textile. To make a thangka painting, the painter should have precise knowledge of the measurements and proportions of each deity as established by Buddhist iconography.
What are the types of thangka painting?
There are four main kinds of thangka are: 1) embroidered tangka; 2) lacquered tangka; 3) applique tangka; and 4) precious bead tangka. The latter are decorated with pearls, coral, turquoise, gold and silver.
What is the main goal in Mahayana Buddhism?
The primary purpose of Mahayana Buddhism is to spread happiness and compassion to everyone in the world. This includes that by awakening to the Ultimate Truth, one obtains greater clarity and insight about the true nature of the universe, leading to internal peace and happiness.
Where do you hang thangka paintings?
1:188:04How to Hang a Thangka. How to Roll a Thangka. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow now when you hang a Tonka normally you want to hang it higher than this probably because youMoreNow now when you hang a Tonka normally you want to hang it higher than this probably because you want the the image to be above your eye level so that it evokes an inspiring attitude.
How do you display a thangka?
0:161:33How to hang, display and roll a thangka - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMake sure that this is hanging straight and then use your thumb and forefinger. And follow up thatMoreMake sure that this is hanging straight and then use your thumb and forefinger. And follow up that pleat about two inch intervals. To get repeated folds then at the top of your canvas.
How do you pronounce thangka?
0:051:01How To Say Thangka - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNunca digas la banca rivers nunca tuve nunca rivers banca river nunca tuve.MoreNunca digas la banca rivers nunca tuve nunca rivers banca river nunca tuve.
What is Thangka painting?
A thangka, variously spelt as thangka, tangka, thanka, or tanka ( Nepali pronunciation: [ˈt̪ʰaŋka]; Tibetan: ཐང་ཀ་; Nepal Bhasa: पौभा), is a Tibetan Buddhist painting on cotton, silk appliqué, usually depicting a Buddhist deity, scene, or mandala. Thangkas are traditionally kept unframed and rolled up when not on display, ...
What is the style of Thangka?
In general the style of figures in thangka remains derived from the Indo-Nepalese tradition. According to Giuseppe Tucci, by the time of the Qing dynasty, "a new Tibetan art was then developed, which in a certain sense was a provincial echo of the Chinese 18th century's smooth ornate preciosity.".
What are Tangkas made of?
Generally, they are divided into two broad categories: those that are painted (Tib.) bris-tan—and those made of silk, either by appliqué or embroidery.
How wide is a tangka?
Process. Tangkas are painted on cotton or silk. The most common is a loosely woven cotton produced in widths from 40 to 58 cm (16 - 23 inches). While some variations do exist, tangkas wider than 45 cm (17 or 18 inches) frequently have seams in the support.
What is a Thangka?
A thangka, variously spelt as thangka, tangka, thanka, or tanka ( Nepali pronunciation: [ˈt̪ʰaŋka]; Tibetan: ཐང་ཀ་; Nepal Bhasa: पौभा), is a Tibetan Buddhist painting on cotton, silk appliqué, usually depicting a Buddhist deity, scene, or mandala. Thangkas are traditionally kept unframed and rolled up when not on display, mounted on a textile backing somewhat in the style of Chinese scroll paintings, with a further silk cover on the front. So treated, thangkas can last a long time, but because of their delicate nature, they have to be kept in dry places where moisture will not affect the quality of the silk. Most thangkas are relatively small, comparable in size to a Western half-length portrait, but some are extremely large, several metres in each dimension; these were designed to be displayed, typically for very brief periods on a monastery wall, as part of religious festivals. Most thangkas were intended for personal meditation or instruction of monastic students. They often have elaborate compositions including many very small figures. A central deity is often surrounded by other identified figures in a symmetrical composition. Narrative scenes are less common, but do appear.
Where did Tibetan Buddhist paintings originate?
Tibetan Buddhist painting developed from widespread traditions of early Buddhist paintings which now only survive in a few sites such as the Ajanta Caves in India and the Mogao Caves on the Silk Road , which has very extensive wall-paintings and was the repository for what are now the earliest surviving Tibetan paintings on cloth. The thanka form developed alongside the tradition of Tibetan Buddhist wall paintings, which are or were mostly in monasteries.
When was Thangka first painted?
One of the earliest specimens of Nepalese Thangka painting dates from the thirteenth /fourteenth century and shows Amitabha surrounded by bodhisattva. Another Nepalese thangka with three dates in the inscription (the last one corresponding to 1369 A.D.), is one of the earliest known thangka with inscriptions.
What is a Thangka?
Thangka depicts sacred subjects and images in the form of painting. The source of Tibetan thangka painting is the Buddhist doctrine. To acknowledge the depth of the artistic tradition of Tibet, we need to understand the philosophical foundation of Vajrayana Buddhism.
Importance of Thangka in Tibetan Buddhism
In Buddhist practice, the art of painting thangka is regarded as one of the essential constituents of the five great subjects of learning. According to Acharya Asanga (ca. 350 A.D.), every practitioner of the Bodhisattva path should learn five subjects: Philosophy, Art, Grammar, Logic, and Medicine.
Origin of the Thangka Painting
Since Tibetan Art and thangka contain core religious aspects, the evolution and growth of the artistic styles are inextricably tied to the emergence and development of Buddhism in Tibet.
Fundamental Concepts of Thangka Paintings
The Traditional Thangka Painting is believed to be strung together with tradition. So, the common knowledge is the thangka’s tendency to disallow any ample artistic freedom. That is not to say that there isn’t room for exploring aesthetics and showcasing creativity.
Types of Thangka
Regular Thangkas are the most common ones found and being practiced by artists all over the globe. They have gained popularity over time through their simplistic yet eloquent style and the use of a diverse color palette.
Types of Figures in Thangka
In thangka painting, there are various types of figures that can be classified into these types:
Iconography in Thangka
Iconography as defined in the sutras and tantras is necessary when depicting the forms of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and other many deities, either in thangka or statues or any work of supreme arts. It is very crucial to depict the sacred images with a correct proportion as well as visually pleasing manner.
Why do people use Thangka paintings?
Practitioners use thangkas to develop a clear visualization of a particular deity, strengthening their concentration , and forging a link between themselves and the deity.
What is the meaning of the Thangka?
Traditionally, the Thangka are designed to tell the life of Buddha, as well as other influential lamas and deities . The Tibetan word THANG KA means “recorded message” in English.
How long is the Thangka open?
This Thangka is only open for around two hours , before the monks move it carefully back inside for another year.
What is Thangka used for?
Thangka are also used as devotional pieces during religious rituals or ceremonies, and can be used as a medium for prayer. Moreover, Thangkas can aid in the spiritual path to enlightenment as the religious art is used as a meditation tool. Devotees often have Thangka paintings hung in their homes, bedrooms and offices.
Why were Thangkas commissioned?
Thangkas were commissioned for many purposes - as aids to meditation, as requests for long life, as tokens of thanksgiving for having recovered from illness, or in order to accumulate merit.
Why is it so rare to find genuine thangkas?
These days, it is becoming more and more rare to find genuine thangkas because of the length of time it takes to learn the skill and create a painting properly. However, Norbulingka is committed to preserving the skill of thangka painting in the traditional form.
Why is Thangkas not an artist's imagination?
Because thangkas are not the product of an artist’s imagination, but are as carefully executed as a blueprint drawing, the role of the artist is somewhat different than the inventor we know him to be in the West. The role of the artist becomes one of a medium or channel, who rises above his own mundane consciousness to bring a higher truth into this world. In order to ensure that this truth remains intact, he must diligently adhere to all the correct guidelines.
What is Thangka art?
Thangka: a Marvelous piece of Art. Thangka: also spelled as tangka, thanka or tanka is a Tibetan Buddhist painting made on cotton, silk applique that usually demonstrates a Buddhist deity, scene or Mandala. The Thangkas are based on certain themes such as history, policy, culture, social life and so on.
Where are the Thangka paintings?
However, they now exist only in certain places like Ajanta Caves in India and Mogao Caves on the Silk Road. The places have large wall-paintings and are the deep storage of the Tibetan paintings on cloth.
Why are Thangka paintings so bright?
In the eighteenth century, after the introduction of paper, the paintings became brighter due to the use of colors. The Thangkas demonstrated the forms of Shiva and Shakti in conventional poses. The other deities like Mahakala, Manjushri, and Lokeshwara also became popular and became the part of the Thangka in later days. The paintings during that time used the symbols mainly emphasizing on the female element and sexuality.
Why were the Thangkas painted?
Initially, the Thangkas were painted as a way to gain merit.
How big is the Thangka?
The size of the Thangka varies which ranges from small to extremely large, several meters in each dimension. The Thangkas serve in many different ways. They are important teaching tools which portray the life of Gautam Buddha with many other small figures and deities.
What was the demand for Buddhist manuscripts in Tibet during the 7th century?
During the 7 th century, the demand for religious icons and Buddhist manuscripts in Tibet increased. Numbers of manuscripts were copied in Kathmandu to supply to Tibet. For example, Astasahasrika Prajnaparamita in Patan in 1999 AD. The Nepalese art then flourished to China in the thirteenth century by Araniko.
How many lines does Thangka have?
One has to be an expert in measurements and Buddhist deities. The basic of the Thangka lies on one vertical and two diagonal lines, the intersection of which determines the center.
History
- Historically, the Thangka was used as a teaching aid. A lama carried portable painted scrolls depicting Buddhist teachings, important events, and various aspects of deities on his travels. Most thangkas were made by individuals usually monks, who acquire merits to do so. These art…
Types
- Based on technique and material, tangkas can be grouped by types. Generally, they are divided into two broad categories: those that are painted (palas) and those made of silk, either by appliqué or embroidery. 1. Palas –The illustrative paintings of the deities is known as Palas. This is the most common type. The Palas can be further divided in four categories: 1. There exists an…
Process
- The Thangka Making process starts with preparing Canvas. The canvas is washed and scrubbed multiple times to confirm the essential even tension then the cloth is tied to an iron or wooden frame using cotton threads. The outline of the deity is first drawn on the prepared canvas with pencil. The drawing of Mandalas and Deity figure must be in accordance with strict guidelines a…
Mediating Guidelines
- Historically used as teaching aid, Thangkas are used as a meditation tool to help bring one further down the path to enlightenment. Devotional images act as the centerpiece during a ritual or ceremony and are often used as mediums through which one can offer prayers or make requests.
Where and How to Hang Thangka Art.
- Hanging Thangka Art painting of Buddha, deities and Mandala will attract peace, joy, prosperity and luck. Thangka paintings are not just a piece of Art, it is considered to increase the positive energy in your space. In Hindu and Buddhism Thangka is consider to be divine and spiritually charging. Here are some guidelines for how and where to hang the Thangka Art 1. Hang your Th…
Overview
A thangka, variously spelt as thangka, tangka, thanka, or tanka , is a Tibetan Buddhist painting on cotton, silk appliqué, usually depicting a Buddhist deity, scene, or mandala. Thangkas are traditionally kept unframed and rolled up when not on display, mounted on a textile backing somewhat in the style of Chinese scroll paintings, with a further silk cover on the front. So treated, thangkas can …
History
Tibetan Buddhist painting developed from widespread traditions of early Buddhist paintings which now only survive in a few sites such as the Ajanta Caves in India and the Mogao Caves in China, which has very extensive wall-paintings and was the repository for what are now the earliest surviving Tibetan paintings on cloth. The thanka form developed alongside the tradition of Tibetan Buddhist wall paintings, which are or were mostly in monasteries.
Types
Based on technique and material, tangkas can be grouped by types. Generally, they are divided into two broad categories: those that are painted (Tib.) bris-tan—and those made of silk, either by appliqué or embroidery.
Tangkas are further divided into these more specific categories:
• Painted in colours (Tib.) tson-tang—the most common type
Process
Tangkas are painted on cotton or silk. The most common is a loosely woven cotton produced in widths from 40 to 58 cm (16 - 23 inches). While some variations do exist, tangkas wider than 45 cm (17 or 18 inches) frequently have seams in the support. The paint consists of pigments in a water-soluble medium of animal glue. Both mineral and organic pigments are used. In Western terminology, this is a distemper technique; although it is often described as a form of gouache, thi…
Nepal
The earliest surviving thangka paintings from Nepal date to about the 14th century AD, but this is probably well after Buddhists and Hindus began to make illustrations of the deities and natural scenes. Historically, Tibetan and Chinese influence in Nepalese paintings is quite evident in Paubhas (Tangkas), and Nepalese styles have been a significant influence on Tibetan art. Paubhas are of two types, the Palas which are illustrative paintings of the deities and the Manda…
Gallery
• 11th or early 12th-century thangka of the Amitābha Buddha, with donor portraits at bottom.
• Monk painting a thangka at the Potala in Lhasa in 1938
• Thanka with its backing and (above) cover
See also
• Conservation and restoration of Tibetan thangkas
• Khandu Wangchuk Bhutia, Padma Shri award winning Thangka painter
Further reading
• Giuseppe Tucci, Tibetan Painted Scrolls. 3 volumes, Rome, 1949
• Hugo E. Kreijer, Tibetan Paintings. The Jucker Collection. 2001, ISBN 978-1570628658
• Huntington, John C., Bangdel, Dina, The Circle of Bliss: Buddhist Meditational Art, 2003, Serindia Publications, ISBN 1932476016, 9781932476019