Thangkas are a unique, popular Tibetan art form that originated in the Songtsan Gampo era of Tibet. Initially a type of painting designed based on the Nepalese style, it later developed into a mesmerizing, full-fledged art form with its unique beauty and function. In its last stage of development during the 18th century, it was heavily influenced by the elements of traditional Chinese paintings. To pay tribute to their gods, Tibetan monks and commoners alike carry a thangka with them as they travel from place to place. When in Beijing, remember that some local shops here have exquisite thangkas for shoppers and tourists like you in Beijing.
Thangkas are a type of scroll painting that can be easily rolled up for storage. Most thangkas are either hung on the wall of a house or carried by a monk or traveler when moving around to different places. Because Tibetans are traditionally a nomadic people who are also deeply religious, they need an easy-to-carry item like a thangka to help them communicate with gods on their journeys.
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.
On a thangka, no detail is too small to ignore. Everything, like the color, the clothes, and the positions or postures of the people, contains bits of information that contribute to the profound symbolism of the overall image. For a Buddhist, the teachings of Buddhism can be learned by memorizing these details and imaging the image in their minds.
Thangkas are also used by traveling monks as an educational tool. Even nowadays, there are monks who carry thangkas to remote regions to teach the locals the stories of Buddhism. On important dates, Tibetan monks will bring out precious thangkas kept in their monasteries for public display and carry them in ceremonial processions.
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.
Depending on the materials used and the way it was made, thangkas can be divided into two main categories: "Bris-Tang" and "Go-Tang."
"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."
Colors on thangkas are not randomly used. Different colors represent different themes or different characters. Red is used for life stories of the Buddha. Black is the theme color for depicting gods whose main duty is subjugating evils. Blue is used to convey a sense of joy. Green is used to show activity. And white represents calm and compassion.
There are many fantastic local shops in Beijing that offer genuine thangkas painted by master artists from Tibet. Visit these shops when you are in Beijing, and you won't forget the experience. It's best to get a Beijing tour guide to help you find these places.
Thangkas are a type of scroll painting that can be easily rolled up for storage. Most thangkas are either hung on the wall of a house or carried by a monk or traveler when moving around to different places. Because Tibetans are traditionally a nomadic people who are also deeply religious, they need an easy-to-carry item like a thangka to help them communicate with gods on their journeys.
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.
On a thangka, no detail is too small to ignore. Everything, like the color, the clothes, and the positions or postures of the people, contains bits of information that contribute to the profound symbolism of the overall image. For a Buddhist, the teachings of Buddhism can be learned by memorizing these details and imaging the image in their minds.
Thangkas are also used by traveling monks as an educational tool. Even nowadays, there are monks who carry thangkas to remote regions to teach the locals the stories of Buddhism. On important dates, Tibetan monks will bring out precious thangkas kept in their monasteries for public display and carry them in ceremonial processions.
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.
Depending on the materials used and the way it was made, thangkas can be divided into two main categories: "Bris-Tang" and "Go-Tang."
"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."
Colors on thangkas are not randomly used. Different colors represent different themes or different characters. Red is used for life stories of the Buddha. Black is the theme color for depicting gods whose main duty is subjugating evils. Blue is used to convey a sense of joy. Green is used to show activity. And white represents calm and compassion.
There are many fantastic local shops in Beijing that offer genuine thangkas painted by master artists from Tibet. Visit these shops when you are in Beijing, and you won't forget the experience. It's best to get a Beijing tour guide to help you find these places.
About the Author:
Author A. Lao studies Chinese arts and crafts. He assists a Beijing tour guide who brings visitors to great Chinese shops. Sometimes he personally tailors Beijing tours.
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