Painting Schools of Tibet Thangka

With the wide spread of Tibetan Buddhism, the demand of Tibet Thangka is increasing. There appeared some professional painter groups in many Tibetan districts. With the painting techniques becoming more mature, there appeared some painting schools.

Painting Schools of Tibet Thangka – Menzhe Painting School

The Menzhe Painting School is consists of the "Men Painting School" which created by Mennai Dunzhu, Qing Painting School which created by the school mate of Mennai Dunzhu – Zeqingmu and the "Xi Painting School" which created by Xiba Living Buddha. The features of the Tibet Thangka which created by this painting school are concise composition, simple and without too much pattern and decoration. The color of these Thangka pays more attention to the changes of dark color and light color, the rhythm of the picture is very obvious.

Painting Schools of Tibet Thangka – Mensha Painting School

Mensha Painting School is a new painting school created by Shatuo Luosong, based on the Menzhe Painting School in 16th century. The painting style of this painting school trends to exaggerated shape and magnificent composition. They pay more attention to the decorative pattern and color saturation, with rich high plateau characteristics. This kind of painting style got the favor of dignitary monks in temples.

Painting Schools of Tibet Thangka – Garma Gong Painting School

Garma Gong Painting School was very popular in Xikang district in 16th century. Due to the Xikang district is close to the inland of Han, there appeared a new Thangka art which deeply affected by the art style in Han districts. This painting school was named "Old Garma Gong Painting School" in history. In 18h century, Duoqijue and Qujiniuqin who are dignitary monks in Babang Monastery created "New Garma Gong Painting School". This painting school learned from the claborate-style painting tradition in Han districts. The painting school largely use golden in large scale, use lotus, mountain, river, animals and auspicious things to be the background; use various magnificent and delicate pattern to decorate clothes, use dark color to relieve the mountain and clouds, do not show the pen touch; while the figure often drew with golden, looks resplendent and magnificent.