Thangkas are one of Tibet's most famous art forms, and they have fascinated generations of art fans around the world. Developed during the Songtsan Gampo era of Tibet, they incorporate elements from both Nepalese art and traditional Chinese paintings. Valued for their exquisite craftsmanship, they are also admired for their unique beauty and practical function. When traveling to other places, Tibetan monks will often carry a thangka to communicate with their gods. On a good tour in Beijing, you can find exquisite thangkas made by great Tibetan artists.
Like a scroll painting, thangkas can be easily stored and moved around. For this reason, traveling monks in Tibet prefer to carry them instead of heavy, bulky statues. Because they can be put on a wall, Tibetans also like to use them at home for worship and meditation.
Serving as an object for worship and meditation, thangkas often have images that depict prominent figures of Buddism, like the Buddha, bodhisattvas, and other gods. These figures, along with the depictions of their life stories that usually appear in the background, are intended to educate, enlighten, or enhance the contemplative experience of the people who study them.
For people who understand Tibetan Buddhism, the complex picture on a finely made thangka has a profound symbolism that reveals itself through very exquisite details on the picture. People can learn the teachings of Buddhism by carefully studying these details and finding out the intricate connections among them. One of the most common items depicted on thangkas is the Wheel of Life, or the universe in Buddhism.
One of the tasks traveling monks are assigned is teaching Buddhism to the people in the places they travel to. Even today there are monks who go from region to region and use thangkas to spread the teachings of Buddhism. Tibetans monks living in monasteries will display their thangkas to the public on important dates.
Thangkas are either painted by hand or embroidered with high-quality threads. Some extremely valuable thangkas are made of precious pearls and gold. Making a thangka is not an easy task. Usually it takes five properly trained artists to finish one thangka. Paint made of natural minerals is commonly used, as it gives a touch of vividness to the picture. Painting a thangka requires a mastery over a variety of drawing skills and an in-depth understanding of Tibetan Buddhism. Subtle hints are incorporated into every detail on the image.
Thangkas are divided into two major types: "Bris-Tang" and "Go-Tang." The differences between these two are the materials used and the methods of manufacture.
"Bris-Tang": "Bris-Tang" refers to thangkas that are painted. There are five specific types in this category: Multi-Colored, Gold Background, Vermilion Background, Black Background, and Block Printing "Bris-Tang."
"Go-Tang": "Go-Tang" thangkas are thangkas that are embroidered or made of silk. There are also five specific types in this category: Embroidery, Applique, Glued Applique, Hand-Woven, and Block Printing "Go-Tang."
There is a strict rule concerning the use of colors on thangka. Different colors are used to denote different themes or different characters. Red is often the main color for thangkas depicting the life stories of the Buddha. Black is mostly used to depict gods whose main duty is subjugating evils. Blue is employed when the emphasis is on joyous events. Green is used to represent activity. And white symbolizes peace and compassion.
In the amazing local shops of Beijing, there are authentic thangkas made by master painters from Tibet. When you are in the city, be sure to check out these exquisite products. If you are not familiar with the local business, it's best to find a tour guide in Beijing to help you shop.
Like a scroll painting, thangkas can be easily stored and moved around. For this reason, traveling monks in Tibet prefer to carry them instead of heavy, bulky statues. Because they can be put on a wall, Tibetans also like to use them at home for worship and meditation.
Serving as an object for worship and meditation, thangkas often have images that depict prominent figures of Buddism, like the Buddha, bodhisattvas, and other gods. These figures, along with the depictions of their life stories that usually appear in the background, are intended to educate, enlighten, or enhance the contemplative experience of the people who study them.
For people who understand Tibetan Buddhism, the complex picture on a finely made thangka has a profound symbolism that reveals itself through very exquisite details on the picture. People can learn the teachings of Buddhism by carefully studying these details and finding out the intricate connections among them. One of the most common items depicted on thangkas is the Wheel of Life, or the universe in Buddhism.
One of the tasks traveling monks are assigned is teaching Buddhism to the people in the places they travel to. Even today there are monks who go from region to region and use thangkas to spread the teachings of Buddhism. Tibetans monks living in monasteries will display their thangkas to the public on important dates.
Thangkas are either painted by hand or embroidered with high-quality threads. Some extremely valuable thangkas are made of precious pearls and gold. Making a thangka is not an easy task. Usually it takes five properly trained artists to finish one thangka. Paint made of natural minerals is commonly used, as it gives a touch of vividness to the picture. Painting a thangka requires a mastery over a variety of drawing skills and an in-depth understanding of Tibetan Buddhism. Subtle hints are incorporated into every detail on the image.
Thangkas are divided into two major types: "Bris-Tang" and "Go-Tang." The differences between these two are the materials used and the methods of manufacture.
"Bris-Tang": "Bris-Tang" refers to thangkas that are painted. There are five specific types in this category: Multi-Colored, Gold Background, Vermilion Background, Black Background, and Block Printing "Bris-Tang."
"Go-Tang": "Go-Tang" thangkas are thangkas that are embroidered or made of silk. There are also five specific types in this category: Embroidery, Applique, Glued Applique, Hand-Woven, and Block Printing "Go-Tang."
There is a strict rule concerning the use of colors on thangka. Different colors are used to denote different themes or different characters. Red is often the main color for thangkas depicting the life stories of the Buddha. Black is mostly used to depict gods whose main duty is subjugating evils. Blue is employed when the emphasis is on joyous events. Green is used to represent activity. And white symbolizes peace and compassion.
In the amazing local shops of Beijing, there are authentic thangkas made by master painters from Tibet. When you are in the city, be sure to check out these exquisite products. If you are not familiar with the local business, it's best to find a tour guide in Beijing to help you shop.
About the Author:
A. Lao writes about Chinese arts and crafts. He now works with a Beijing personal shopper who helps tourists find unique Chinese items. Sometimes he personally tailors Beijing tours.
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