Thangka
Analysis of a Tibetan Thang Ka painting
Religion and philosophical beliefs plays an important role in the arts of ancient Asia. Different parts of Asia have different religions and beliefs. These differences can be seen in the arts of ancient China and ancient India. After reading a book about Tibetan Art and Culture, I was deeply inspired and amazed by a Thangka painting. A Thangka is a Tibetan silk painting with embroidery, usually depicting a Buddhist deity or famous scene. The Thankga is not a flat creation like an oil or acrylic painting. However, it consists of a picture panel, which is painted or embroidered, over which a textile is mounted, and then over which is laid a cover, usually silk. Generally, Thangka last a very long time and retain much of their lustre, but because of their delicate nature, they have to be kept in dry places where moisture won't affect the quality of the silk. It is sometimes called a scroll painting.
Originally, Thangka painting became popular among traveling monks because the scroll paintings were easily rolled and transported from monastery to monastery. These Thangka served as important teaching tools depicting the life of the Buddha, various influential lamas and other deities and Buddha. One popular subject is The Wheel of Life, which is a visual representation of the Abhidharma teachings. It offers a beautiful manifestation of the divine, being both visually and mentally stimulating. “The Conservancy for Tibetan Art and Culture is working to create a better understanding of the peoples, cultures and traditions of Tibet, as well as the threat that confronts them. Tibetan culture forms a valuable part of the world’s heritage. Humanity would be poorer should it be lost.” (His holiness The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso)
I have chosen a particular Thang Ka, traditional craft art, which has been produced over 200 years ago and is well known as one of Tibet’s cultural legacy in the history of Buddhism. The title of
Religion and philosophical beliefs plays an important role in the arts of ancient Asia. Different parts of Asia have different religions and beliefs. These differences can be seen in the arts of ancient China and ancient India. After reading a book about Tibetan Art and Culture, I was deeply inspired and amazed by a Thangka painting. A Thangka is a Tibetan silk painting with embroidery, usually depicting a Buddhist deity or famous scene. The Thankga is not a flat creation like an oil or acrylic painting. However, it consists of a picture panel, which is painted or embroidered, over which a textile is mounted, and then over which is laid a cover, usually silk. Generally, Thangka last a very long time and retain much of their lustre, but because of their delicate nature, they have to be kept in dry places where moisture won't affect the quality of the silk. It is sometimes called a scroll painting.
Originally, Thangka painting became popular among traveling monks because the scroll paintings were easily rolled and transported from monastery to monastery. These Thangka served as important teaching tools depicting the life of the Buddha, various influential lamas and other deities and Buddha. One popular subject is The Wheel of Life, which is a visual representation of the Abhidharma teachings. It offers a beautiful manifestation of the divine, being both visually and mentally stimulating. “The Conservancy for Tibetan Art and Culture is working to create a better understanding of the peoples, cultures and traditions of Tibet, as well as the threat that confronts them. Tibetan culture forms a valuable part of the world’s heritage. Humanity would be poorer should it be lost.” (His holiness The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso)
I have chosen a particular Thang Ka, traditional craft art, which has been produced over 200 years ago and is well known as one of Tibet’s cultural legacy in the history of Buddhism. The title of
Bibliography: SWAN P. C 1958: Chinese Painting, Editions Pierre Tisne, Paris, 1958. Tait, H (Ed.) 1986: Seven thousand years of jewellery