Thangka Paiting Art of Tibetan Ethnic Group

Basic Introduction

Definition and Aliases

Thangka is a transliteration from the Tibetan language, referring to a type of hanging scroll painting. It is also known as scroll Buddhist painting or Tibetan cloth painting, a unique art form of Tibetan Buddhism.

Thangka mainly depicts religious figures, historical events and Buddhist doctrines. Such artworks are commonly seen hanging in monasteries and local residences of Tibetan areas.

Size Specifications

Thangkas vary greatly in dimensions. Small pieces measure only a few cun (a traditional Chinese length unit) in width, while large ones can stretch to tens of meters. For instance, the giant Thangka preserved in the Potala Palace is over 50 meters long.

Production Procedures

1. **Base Material Selection & Framing

   Artisans primarily use linen and coarse wool cloth as the painting base. Luxurious Thangkas adopt silk and satin instead. Flax threads are stitched along the edges of the base cloth, which is then tautly fixed onto a custom wooden frame.

2. **Base Polishing

   A mixed paste made of animal glue and talcum powder is spread evenly over the cloth, then smoothed flat with a mussel shell. Painting can start only after the base cloth is completely air-dried.

3. **Mounting & Finishing

   Once the painting is finished, the work is removed from the wooden frame. It is mounted with brocade and fitted with scroll rollers for hanging.

Major Categories and Featured Crafts

Classification of Thangka

Thangkas fall into multiple categories by craft: embroidered Thangka, appliqué Thangka, tapestry Thangka, painted Thangka, silk-woven Thangka and piled embroidery Thangka.

Piled Embroidery Thangka (Representative Craft)

The piled embroidery Thangka is the most distinctive type. It is crafted with elaborately selected colored brocades of diverse patterns. The stitching threads are twisted from colored silk and horse tail hair. Some works are partially inlaid with jewels and gemstones.

This craft is highly intricate and sophisticated. Thangkas combining inlaid jewels and piled embroidery are rare masterpieces and precious treasures in traditional Thangka art.

Basic Introduction

Definition and Aliases

Thangka is a transliteration from the Tibetan language, referring to a type of hanging scroll painting. It is also known as scroll Buddhist painting or Tibetan cloth painting, a unique art form of Tibetan Buddhism.

Thangka mainly depicts religious figures, historical events and Buddhist doctrines. Such artworks are commonly seen hanging in monasteries and local residences of Tibetan areas.

Size Specifications

Thangkas vary greatly in dimensions. Small pieces measure only a few cun (a traditional Chinese length unit) in width, while large ones can stretch to tens of meters. For instance, the giant Thangka preserved in the Potala Palace is over 50 meters long.

Production Procedures

1. **Base Material Selection & Framing

   Artisans primarily use linen and coarse wool cloth as the painting base. Luxurious Thangkas adopt silk and satin instead. Flax threads are stitched along the edges of the base cloth, which is then tautly fixed onto a custom wooden frame.

2. **Base Polishing

   A mixed paste made of animal glue and talcum powder is spread evenly over the cloth, then smoothed flat with a mussel shell. Painting can start only after the base cloth is completely air-dried.

3. **Mounting & Finishing

   Once the painting is finished, the work is removed from the wooden frame. It is mounted with brocade and fitted with scroll rollers for hanging.

Major Categories and Featured Crafts

Classification of Thangka

Thangkas fall into multiple categories by craft: embroidered Thangka, appliqué Thangka, tapestry Thangka, painted Thangka, silk-woven Thangka and piled embroidery Thangka.

Piled Embroidery Thangka (Representative Craft)

The piled embroidery Thangka is the most distinctive type. It is crafted with elaborately selected colored brocades of diverse patterns. The stitching threads are twisted from colored silk and horse tail hair. Some works are partially inlaid with jewels and gemstones.

This craft is highly intricate and sophisticated. Thangkas combining inlaid jewels and piled embroidery are rare masterpieces and precious treasures in traditional Thangka art.