What is Thangka?Thangka symbolizes iconographic information in a pictorial manner. It is a rather complicated three-dimensional object consisting of a picture panel, known by many names-Tangka", "Thanka" or "Tanka". Originally Thangka served as a painted or embroidered Buddhist banner displayed in a monastery or at a family altar. It was also carried by monks in a ceremonial procession.
Thangka is derived from the Tibetan word 'than' which means flat and 'ka' means painting. Hence, this is a painting done on a flat surface which can also be rolled up like a scroll when it is not on display. This quality also gives it the name of scroll painting. The most common shape of a Thangka is the upright rectangular.
How it came into prominence
Thangka could be easily rolled and transported from one monastery to another. Travelling Buddhist monks found it easy to carry these paintings. As the paintings depicted the life of Buddha, they served as invaluable teaching tools. One very popular theme is “The Wheel of Life” symbolizing the enlightenment.
Thangka could be easily rolled and transported from one monastery to another. Travelling Buddhist monks found it easy to carry these paintings. As the paintings depicted the life of Buddha, they served as invaluable teaching tools. One very popular theme is “The Wheel of Life” symbolizing the enlightenment.
Relevance of Thangka Paintings
In the Buddhist realm, these are not just colorful wall hangings but epitomize the divine beauty. Apart from being visually stimulating, Thangka also performs many functions. When depicting the lives of Buddha or historical events in the lives of lamas or visually narrating the myths associated with other deities, it becomes an important teaching tool. It functions as the centerpiece during a Buddhist religious ceremony. Thangka is used as a medium to offer prayers to the almighty. Most importantly it is used as a tool of meditation in an individual's endeavor to attain enlightenment.
In the Buddhist realm, these are not just colorful wall hangings but epitomize the divine beauty. Apart from being visually stimulating, Thangka also performs many functions. When depicting the lives of Buddha or historical events in the lives of lamas or visually narrating the myths associated with other deities, it becomes an important teaching tool. It functions as the centerpiece during a Buddhist religious ceremony. Thangka is used as a medium to offer prayers to the almighty. Most importantly it is used as a tool of meditation in an individual's endeavor to attain enlightenment.
Main features of a Thangka Paintings
The artists does not convey his personal vision in these paintings. Majority of these painters follow the traditional and well established scientific arrangement of content, color and proportion according to a predefined set of rules. There might be slight regional variations. The paintings are left under the care of a conservator. These religious objects do not display the name of the artist, technique employed or the date of their creation. Their importance lies in displaying a vast variety of iconographic information. Different colours portray different emotions. For instance,green indicates some activity,white conveys peacefulness and compassion. Same figure in a different color can convey a different mood.
The artists does not convey his personal vision in these paintings. Majority of these painters follow the traditional and well established scientific arrangement of content, color and proportion according to a predefined set of rules. There might be slight regional variations. The paintings are left under the care of a conservator. These religious objects do not display the name of the artist, technique employed or the date of their creation. Their importance lies in displaying a vast variety of iconographic information. Different colours portray different emotions. For instance,green indicates some activity,white conveys peacefulness and compassion. Same figure in a different color can convey a different mood.
Painting Technique
There are regional variations in the technique. This was owing to the training given to the artist, fund available to purchase the basic material and the number of assistants employed by the master painter. Even the technique of paint application varies from one region to another. Mountings, surrounding the painting were prepared by tailors as these were made of silk brocade. These may be frequently replaced owing to damage which may have been caused due to frequent scrolling and unscrolling.
There are regional variations in the technique. This was owing to the training given to the artist, fund available to purchase the basic material and the number of assistants employed by the master painter. Even the technique of paint application varies from one region to another. Mountings, surrounding the painting were prepared by tailors as these were made of silk brocade. These may be frequently replaced owing to damage which may have been caused due to frequent scrolling and unscrolling.
Classification of Thangka
The material used and the technique employed can be used to categorize these paintings as follows:
The material used and the technique employed can be used to categorize these paintings as follows:
- Those which are painted
- Those made of silk either by appliqué or with embroidery
They may be further classified as follows:
- Painted in color(they form the most common type)
- Applique
- Those with a gold line on a black background
- Block printed painting
- Embroidered paintings
- Gold background. This is an auspicious form and is employed for fully enlightened Buddhas
- Paintings in red background.
Material used
Thangka artists employ various fabrics. The most widely used is loosely woven cotton fabric. Its width varies from 40-58 cms.
Thangka artists employ various fabrics. The most widely used is loosely woven cotton fabric. Its width varies from 40-58 cms.
Method used
Basic materials employed are cotton canvas or silk .Mineral and organic water soluble pigments which are
mixed with herb and glue solution are then used to paint. This process requires immaculate skills in drawing perfect figures and an immense understanding of the iconometric principles. Like its other Buddhist counterpart, Thangka painting is also highly goemetric. Symmetrical grid of angels and intersecting lines are used to depict arms, legs, eyes, nostrils, ears, and various ritual implements. This art form is so intrinsically religious that it is executed in accordance with the guidelines laid down in the Buddhist scriptures.
Basic materials employed are cotton canvas or silk .Mineral and organic water soluble pigments which are
mixed with herb and glue solution are then used to paint. This process requires immaculate skills in drawing perfect figures and an immense understanding of the iconometric principles. Like its other Buddhist counterpart, Thangka painting is also highly goemetric. Symmetrical grid of angels and intersecting lines are used to depict arms, legs, eyes, nostrils, ears, and various ritual implements. This art form is so intrinsically religious that it is executed in accordance with the guidelines laid down in the Buddhist scriptures.Summary
Thangka portrays the physical attributes and qualities of Buddha. They are composite and complicated art pieces used not just for decoration but also to convey icnographic ideas. It is final product of an arduous and impeccable effort of many tailors and artists who have been trained under different masters.
Thangka portrays the physical attributes and qualities of Buddha. They are composite and complicated art pieces used not just for decoration but also to convey icnographic ideas. It is final product of an arduous and impeccable effort of many tailors and artists who have been trained under different masters.
2 comments:
The Thangka paintings are not only used in decoration but also used to create a beauty.
Thangka Paintings are seems to related with Budhdha age and define that's time art beauty.
Indian Paintings
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