thangka

Thangka, also spelled thanka or tanka, is a Tibetan Buddhist painting on cotton, silk, or other textiles that is typically created as a vertically oriented scroll. The name derives from the Tibetan thang-ka, meaning “unfolded thing” or “unrolling painting.” Thangkas are used as teaching tools, meditation aids, and ritual objects in monasteries and homes, illustrating deities, Buddhas, events from Buddhist texts, or mandalas.

Format and materials: Traditional thangkas are painted with mineral pigments bound by animal glue on a prepared cloth ground, sometimes with gold leaf or gold pigment. The painted surface is mounted on a textile brocade and fitted with a wooden dowel at the bottom and a rod or cord at the top for rolling and unrolling. The work may include gilding, and some examples incorporate embroidery or appliqué to enhance the composition.

Iconography and use: Thangkas follow canonical iconography within Tibetan Buddhism, with a central figure surrounded by supporting deities, guardians, or mandala elements. They serve as visual aids for meditation and study, support ritual ceremonies, and function as portable objects that can be displayed or stored as needed. In practice, they are often used during teachings, initiations, and personal devotion, sometimes accompanied by mantras or ritual offerings.

Regional and school variations: Styles vary by tradition and region. Major Tibetan Buddhist schools—Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya, and Gelug—exhibit differences in line quality, color schemes, and compositional emphasis. Thangka painting is also found in Nepal, Bhutan, Mongolia, and parts of China, reflecting local artistic influences while retaining core iconographic conventions.

Preservation: Thangkas are sensitive to light and humidity. They require careful handling, and conservation can involve mounting repairs, lineage documentation, and controlled display conditions. They are commonly stored rolled in protective coverings when not on display.