Thangkas

Thangkas, also spelled thankas, are Tibetan Buddhist paintings on cotton or silk that function as teaching tools and aids to meditation. They are typically painted on fabric panels mounted on a scroll or stretched over a wooden frame, allowing them to be rolled for storage and transport. Common subjects include meditational deities, mandalas, scenes from the life of the Buddha, and portraits of teachers or lineage holders. The iconography follows traditional rules intended to convey precise spiritual meanings to practitioners.

Materials and technique commonly involve mineral and organic pigments bound with animal glue. Gold leaf or gold paint is frequently used to highlight sacred elements. Outlines are usually rendered in dark ink, with refined brushwork to depict figures, halos, and mandorlas. The style varies by region, but thangka painting emphasizes clarity of iconography, compositional balance, and detailed symbolism.

Mounting and use: most thangkas are mounted with silk borders and carried or hung in monasteries and private altars. They serve as visual aids for meditation, ritual instruction, and ceremonial cycles; many are created for specific initiations or devotional purposes. When not in use, they are rolled for protection and portability.

Regional contexts: thangka painting has strong traditions in Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, and Mongolia, with regional schools and influences reflecting local artistic practices. In addition to religious functions, thangkas are valued as cultural artifacts and performed as commissions within ongoing devotional and pedagogical activities.

Conservation: thangkas are sensitive to light, humidity, and handling. Preservation typically involves climate-controlled storage, careful mounting care, and professional restoration when needed.