A Treasure of Painting Art
Thangka is a unique art form in Tibetan culture with a history of over 1,400 years. It has strong religious overtones and a unique artistic style, and is a treasure of Chinese ethnic painting art.
The Meaning of "Thangka"
"Thangka" is a transliteration of the Tibetan language, also known as "Tangga" or "Tangka". There are several interpretations when translated into Chinese:
• First, it is called "scroll painting" because Thangka has a scroll rod (referred to as "Tangxin" in Tibetan), which makes it easy to hang for worship, admiration, collection and carrying.
• Second, it is called "cloth painting".
• Third, it is called "flat painting".
• Another interpretation is that it is a religious artwork decorated with colored satin.
Based on the characteristics and functions of Thangka, the Chinese translation "scroll painting" is more accurate.
Materials of Thangka
Similar to scroll paintings in Han areas, most Thangkas are painted or embroidered on cloth, silk or paper, then sewn and mounted with silk satin. There is a thin rope on the horizontal scroll at the top for easy hanging, and exquisite scroll knobs at both ends of the lower scroll. The painting surface is covered with thin silk and two colored ribbons. There are also a very small number of Thangkas made of kesi (silk tapestry), embroidery, appliqué and pearls, with relatively rich materials. For example:
• Embroidery Thangkas are embroidered with colored silk threads, and landscapes, figures, flowers, bird feathers, pavilions and towers can all be embroidered on them.
• Brocade Thangkas are woven with satin weave as the warp and multi-colored silk as the weft, with interlaced jacquard patterns. They are pasted on fabric, hence also known as "duixiu" (appliqué embroidery).
The Creation of Thangka
Thangkas are extremely complex to create and rich in content. Most of them depict various revered figures in Tibetan Buddhism, such as Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and masters of various sects; some also depict Tibetan history, astronomy and geography, Tibetan medicine and historical figures. The materials used are extremely exquisite—pigments are all natural mineral and plant materials, which are bright in color and long-lasting without fading. After hundreds or even thousands of years, the paintings still remain resplendent and as brilliant as new. Thangkas have a strong snow region charm and record the civilization, history and development of Tibet.
Extended Reading
Thangkas can be classified by purpose:
• Thangkas for practice: mainly used for visualization and worship during spiritual practice.
• Thangkas for decoration: painted by lay believers themselves or commissioned to painters, then presented to monasteries to adorn Buddha halls.
• Thangkas for Dharma propagation: displayed in front of large fairs or monasteries for the public and pilgrims, with people educating the public by singing or reciting stories.
Common Thangkas usually depict the Jataka Tales of the Buddha, the life story of Guru Padmasambhava, and the Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha, etc.