Tibetan Thangka painting is an art form that originated from Tibet where Buddhist deity or mandala art is painted on canvas and mounted on cotton or silk fabric. Thangkas are also called thangka or tanka or tangka depending upon where you go. Pauba (Nepal Bhasa) is a Nepalese art form inspired by Tibetan thangkas. It is a derivation from the Tibetan word “Thang Yig” meaning written word.
Thangka paintings are usually scrolled up and kept on textile clothing. Tibetan Thangka is incredibly delicate and thus handled with extreme caution. They are protected from moisture and kept in a dry place. The composition of a thangka painting is quite elaborate with tiny small figures. Typically, a Buddhist deity is at the center surrounded by other religious figures.
Thangka paintings also represent the myths and lures associated with Buddhist Lamas. Thangkas are not any ordinary art form. It is a spiritual practice. Thangkas are a unique art form in the sense that they are not framed up for display. They are instead kept rolled up in silk textile when not displayed.
Thangkas are a form of worship that brings one closer to religion. Vajrayana Buddhist practitioners use Thangkas in a way to visualize, internalize Buddha-like qualities onto themselves. Thangkas are a tool used for meditation in Buddhism. A Thangka painting hung in a room brings in positive energy and stables our thought process.
At Handicrafts in Nepal, we have hand-picked the exclusive as well as high-quality Tibetan Thangka which is handcrafted by experienced local artisans of Nepal.