Introduction of Tibet Thangka

Introduction of Tibet Thangka – Pigment

The process of making Thangka is very complicated, which often needs several months, even several years. The Tibet Thangka uses local natural mineral pigments, like gold, silver, agate, pearl, vermilion, ochre, saffron, gamene, Rhubarb and so on. These materials will be ground for several times. Painters will add small amount of ox-bile when mixing these materials with glue to antisepticise so that the bright color of Thangka will not fade after long time. There are many places on Tibet Thangka using gold. Tibet painters strictly requir the quality of gold. All gold powder is pure gold. The painters will use cymophane to polish the golden part in order to make it more shining. Therefore, the good Thangka is very expensive. The contents of Thangka mostly focus on Tibetan religious, history, culture, art and science and so on, which involves the belief and wisdom of Tibetans, record the civilization, history and development of Tibet, express Tibetans incomparable emotion to Buddhism and snow-covered hometown.

Introduction of Tibet Thangka – Origin of Name

Thangka is the transliteration of Tibetan language, which refers to religious scroll painting hanging to sacrifice after decorated. The "Thang" is related with space, means vast; while"Ka" refers to fill the blank space. Thangka is Tibetan scroll painting, which content involves Tibetan history, political, culture and social life and some other domains. It can be regarded as "Tibetan Encyclopedia". The works which inherited down almost are the works about Buddhism and Bon Religion.

Introduction of Tibet Thangka – Art of Painting

Thangka is a kind of new painting art which came out in the period of Songtsen Gampo. It is a kind of scroll painting decorated by colorful silk strips. It is full of bright nationality characteristics, rich religious color and unique art style. It is always regarded as treasure by Tibetans. The type and texture of Tibet Thangka are various, but most of them are drawn on cloth and paper. Besides, there are embroidery, brocade, silk and appliqué and some other fabric Thangkas. Some colorful Thangkas are also decorated by pearl, emerald and so on. The painting art of Thangka is a wonderful work in Tibetan culture, which has far-reaching influence in Tibetan history.