FAQs
What is thangka?
Thangka paintings are traditional Buddhist artworks that serve as visual aids for meditation and spiritual practice. They are scroll-like paintings of Buddhas, deities, and mandalas mounted in brocade frames. For followers of Buddhism, these pieces would be placed in shrine-like areas, and used to help illustrate and deepen meditation practices, or Buddhist teachings.
Thangka holds profound meaning, significance, history, practices, and philosophy, encapsulating a visual representation of history within a single painting. The word thangka comes from the Tibetan thang yig, which mean “written record.” The ending yig, which means, “letter” and carries the sense of “written,” is replaced by the ordinary substantive ending ka. Thus the word thangka has the sense of a record. Thangkas are used primarily as aids in meditation practices and as instructional tools in monasteries and homes. They visually depict deities, mandalas, and spiritual symbols to aid practitioners in their spiritual journey.
Thangkas are typically painted on cotton or silk canvas, using mineral and organic pigments. The style is characterized by intricate details, vibrant colors, and precise proportions, following specific iconographic guidelines. Thangkas depict various subjects such as Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, deities, mandalas, and scenes from Buddhist cosmology and teachings. Each subject is rich in symbolism and carries layers of meaning relevant to Buddhist philosophy. Every element in a Thangka painting has symbolic significance. Colors, gestures (mudras), ornaments, and the positioning of figures all convey specific aspects of Buddhist teachings, virtues, and states of consciousness.
Thangkas are often used in rituals, ceremonies, and festivals. They are also objects of devotion, with believers offering prayers and making offerings in front of them to cultivate spiritual merit. The creation and preservation of Thangka paintings are considered sacred duties in Tibetan culture. Artists often undergo rigorous training and adhere to ancient techniques to ensure the authenticity and spiritual efficacy of their work. Thangka paintings continue to be cherished as both artistic masterpieces and sacred objects that embody the essence of Tibetan Buddhist spirituality and culture.
How should I roll my thangka?
A thangka should always be rolled from the bottom to the top. When you roll it, be mindful not to grasp the canvas, but instead the brocade on the side. You should also be mindful to tie the hanging cords far to the side over the brocade, and not over the canvas itself. First make sure that you have prepared the space, tables, and supplies. Follow these steps:
1. Remove the rolled thangka from its current storage.
2. Place the thangka on one of the clean tables and unroll it, face up. If there is a cloth border surrounding the painting and veils, be sure that the border and veils are as smooth and free of debris as possible. For safety, two people should handle the thangka.
3. Measure the thangka overall, including the cloth border and the top and bottom rods. Measure the height and width, and write the dimensions on an inventory sheet.
4. On the other table, unroll the Tyvek. Notice that one side of the Tyvek is shinier than the other side.
5. Using a pencil, make very small marks on the Tyvek to indicate the dimensions of the thangka. Then add 4inches to the width and 12 to 14inches to the length. You need to have excess Tyvek on all four sides. For example, if the thangka measures 30 by 40 inches, cut the Tyvek to 34 by 52 inches. 6. Cut the Tyvek, using scissors. Before you cut, be sure that your measurements are accurate and that you are cutting the Tyvek in the most economical direction.
7. Save any small pieces of Tyvek for use as labels.
8. Carefully move the thangka from the other table onto the Tyvek. Two people are needed to move the thangka form one table to the table covered with the Tyvek. If the thangka is very large, four people may be needed.
9. Make sure that the thangka faces up and that the veils, painting,and borders are smooth and free of debris. Center the thangka on the Tyvek, leaving 8 to 10 inches at the top and about 4 inches at the bottom.
10. Starting at the bottom, roll the excess Tyvek around the bottom rod of the thangka. Gently roll upward with the Tyvek around the thangka, smoothing the Tyvek, veil, and thangka as you roll. Lift the rolled part gently while you continue rolling and smoothing. Do not roll too tightly. Be careful not to crush the cloth support or pigment. The goal is to cover and support the thangka, not to stretch or crush it. If the thangka and border are not rolling smoothly, stop and unroll it. Then start rolling again, smoothing the Tyvek, veil, and thangka.
11. Continue rolling until you reach the top of the thangka. The excess 8 to 10 inches of Tyvek at the top should be enough to wrap the entire roll, creating a completely wrapped package.
12. When the thangka is rolled and completely covered, take each end of the roll and squeeze it tightly closed an inch or so past the rod.
13. While one person holds the end of the Tyvek, a second person ties the cotton ribbon tightly around the Tyvek. Do the same at the other end of the roll, and then attach the identification label to one end of the roll.
14. The thangka is now well protected and ready to store in a box or niche. An acid-free box is best. However, a very clean wooden box lined with acid-free paper, Tyvek, or cloth can also be used.
15. Keep the box off the floor at all times. Store it in a secure, clean, and dry space.
What kinds of paint is used to make thangkas?
Traditionally, paints are naturally-sourced. Blue comes from Lapis Lazuli, red from Cinnabar, and yellow from Sulphur. Both mineral pigments and inks can be used for shading. The gold paint is actually mixed by the artist, using 24k gold and a natural animal skin-based glue. If you hold a thangka painted in the traditional fashion up to the light, you should see some reflections and shine from the ground minerals, almost quartz-like. Today, many thangka are painted with pre-fab paints, such as guache, or synthetic gold. Make sure to ask your artist, or the dealer what paints were used. Thangka paintings are created using a specific type of paint that adheres to traditional methods and materials, ensuring both durability and vibrancy. Here are the key aspects of the paint used in Thangka painting:
Mineral and Organic Pigments: Mineral Pigments: Thangka painters traditionally use mineral pigments sourced from natural minerals and stones. These include colors like cinnabar (red), malachite (green), azurite (blue), and ochre (yellow), among others. These pigments are ground into a fine powder before use. Organic Pigments: Some organic materials such as plants, flowers, and lotus petals are used to create pigments. For example, saffron for yellow, indigo for blue.
Binder: The pigments are mixed with a binder, traditionally animal hide glue or occasionally egg tempera, to create a stable paint that adheres well to the canvas (usually cotton or silk).
Preparation and Application: Thangka painters prepare their paints meticulously, grinding the pigments with water and binder to achieve the desired consistency and color intensity. The application of paint requires precision and skill, as Thangka paintings are known for their intricate details and precise lines.
Symbolism and Preservation: Each color used in Thangka painting carries symbolic meaning and is chosen based on traditional iconographic guidelines. For example, green represents peacefulness and balance, while red symbolizes power and compassion. The use of natural pigments contributes to the longevity of Thangka paintings, as these materials are generally more stable and less prone to fading over time compared to synthetic pigments.
Continued Tradition: The techniques and materials used in Thangka painting have been passed down through generations of Tibetan Buddhist artists. Today, contemporary artists continue to adhere to these traditional methods while also exploring modern adaptations.
What are some of the types of thangka?
Thangkas, traditional Tibetan Buddhist paintings, come in various types, each serving specific purposes in spiritual practice, rituals, and artistic expression. Here are some of the different types of Thangka:
Buddha Thangka: Depicts various Buddhas, such as Shakyamuni Buddha, Amitabha Buddha, Medicine Buddha (Bhaisajyaguru), and others. Each Buddha Thangka portrays the specific attributes and teachings associated with the Buddha depicted.
Bodhisattva Thangka: Represents Bodhisattvas, enlightened beings who have postponed their own Buddha-hood to assist others on the path to enlightenment. Examples include Avalokiteshvara (Chenrezig), Manjushri, and Tara.
Mandala Thangka: Mandala Thangkas depict intricate geometric designs and patterns that symbolize the universe and various aspects of Buddhist cosmology. Mandalas are used as visual aids in meditation and represent the interconnectedness of all phenomena.
Yidam Thangka: Yidam Thangkas depict specific meditation deities or personal meditational practices. These deities represent different aspects of enlightenment and are used by practitioners for visualization and spiritual transformation.
Historical Thangka: These Thangkas depict historical events, narratives from Buddhist scriptures (sutras), or scenes from the life of Buddha. They serve both as educational tools and as reminders of key events in Buddhist history.
Lineage Thangka: Lineage Thangkas depict the lineage of teachers and masters within a particular Buddhist tradition, such as the Kagyu, Gelug, or Nyingma schools. They are used to honor and visualize the transmission of teachings through generations.
Protection Thangka: These Thangkas feature fierce deities or protectors (Dharmapalas) who safeguard practitioners and Buddhist teachings from obstacles and negative influences. They are used in rituals and ceremonies for protection and purification.
Instructional Thangka: Instructional Thangkas serve educational purposes, illustrating complex philosophical concepts, meditation techniques, or Buddhist rituals. They often include diagrams and annotations to aid understanding.
Astrological Thangka: Astrological Thangkas depict astrological charts, constellations, and planetary influences according to Tibetan astrology. They are consulted for auspicious timing of rituals, ceremonies, and personal events. Each type of Thangka serves a distinct purpose within Tibetan Buddhist practice and culture, offering both visual beauty and profound spiritual meaning to practitioners and admirers alike.