Tibetan Thangka Painting: An Artistic Highlight of Your Tibet Travel

When visiting temples and monasteries in Tibet, you’ll have chances to admire the vibrant and culturally rich Tibetan Thangka paintings. These exquisite artworks, carefully hand-painted on silk or cotton fabrics, often depict Buddhist deities or other religious scenes, as indicated by its name “Thangka” which means “recorded message” in Tibetan. Here, we’ll explore everything about Thangkas, covering aspects like what Thangka art is, how to read a Thangka painting, where to buy a high-quality Thangka, and how to keep it at home.

Origins of Tibetan Thangka Art

The art of Thangka painting has its roots in Nepal and was introduced to Tibet by Nepalese Princess Bhrikuti, the wife of Songtsen Gampo who was the founder of the Tibetan Empire. Over the centuries, Thangka paintings evolved from early murals found in sites like the Ajanta Caves in India and the Mogao Caves in China’s Gansu Province. The Mogao Caves, in particular, was once a repository for numerous Tibetan cloth paintings, some of which are among the earliest surviving Thangkas, along with other manuscripts and prints dating back to the period of Tibetan rule around 780-848 AD.

Development of Tibetan Thangka Painting

Initially, Thangka served as a means for local communities to express their faith and record important religious events. As time passed, with the influx of different cultural influences and the growth of artistic skills within Tibetan society, Thangka gradually evolved. It absorbed elements from neighboring regions’ art forms, such as the refined brushwork from Central Asian painting traditions and the symbolic imagery from Indian Buddhist art.

Moreover, the unique geographical and cultural environment of Tibet played a crucial role in shaping Thangka’s origin. The harsh yet majestic landscape, the nomadic way of life, and the strong sense of community all contributed to the development of this art form. Thangkas were not only religious artworks but also a form of cultural expression that reflected the daily lives, beliefs, and values of the Tibetan people. Over centuries, this humble beginning has blossomed into the elaborate and exquisite Thangka art that we admire today, standing as a testament to the enduring creativity and spiritual depth of Tibetan culture.

Types of Tibetan Thangka Paintings

Thangkas are traditionally painted on cotton or silk, with loosely woven cotton being the most common material. The paintings are typically around 40cm-58cm wide, and larger ones often have seams in the fabric. The pigments used are derived from both mineral and organic sources and are mixed with animal glue to create a water-soluble paint.

Thangkas can be categorized based on content, size, and materials. By content, they can be divided into Buddha Thangka, Biography Thangka, Mythology Thangka, and Catechism Thangka. In terms of size, there are giant, normal, and small Thangkas. Based on materials, they can be classified as embroidered Thangka, appliqué Thangka, painted Thangka, and the rare pearl Thangka. The pearl Thangka, such as the one of Arya Avalokiteshvara in Trundruk Monastery, is made from thousands of pearls and gemstones and is highly revered.

Thangka Display in Tibetan Festivals

Thangka paintings are deeply intertwined with Tibetan culture and are prominently featured in various festivals. 

Shoton Festival

One of the most notable events is the Shoton Festival, held every summer in Tibet. On the first day of the festival, a massive Thangka (42 meters long and 38 meters wide) is unveiled at Drepung Monastery in Lhasa. 

At 6 a.m., the monks of Drepung Monastery gradually go to the Coqen Hall to prepare for the Buddha Display Ceremony. Inside and outside the hall, the smoke from burning juniper fills the air. At 7 o’clock, the conch horns sound continuously and the gongs ring out together at the scene. About a hundred monks carry the huge Thangka scrolls on their shoulders and walk up the winding path towards the Buddha Display Platform on the mountain. Believers spontaneously follow them. When the huge Thangka reaches the Buddha Display Platform, the hubbub gradually subsides, and all the spectators quietly wait for the official start of the Buddha Display Ceremony.

Then the Thangka painting is unrolled amidst chanting and offerings from the crowd. Thousands of pilgrims and onlookers gather, prostrating themselves in reverence. They believe that seeing the Thangka on this auspicious day can purify their souls and bring them closer to enlightenment. This Thangka is displayed for only a few hours before being carefully stored away for the next year. 

Ganden Thangka Festival

Another significant event is the Ganden Thangka Festival, held on the 15th day of the sixth lunar month at Ganden Monastery. During the annual Ganden Thangka Festival, nearly 20,000 believers as well as tourists from home and abroad come to pay homage and visit. Ganden Monastery was built under the auspices of Master Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism, in 1409. It is one of the three most famous monasteries in Tibet.

On the day of the Ganden Thangka Festival, just as the sky starts to get light, many devout believers have already lit juniper branches and hung up prayer flags on the hillside. The smoke from the burning juniper is curling up and fills the whole valley. The believers think that this floating smoke is the way to connect heaven and the human world.

Since the Thangka painting must be fully revealed at the moment when the sun first appears, these believers have to set out early. Some of them even camped here the night before, waiting for the sacred moment at dawn.

The Ganden Thangka Festival begins with a grand ceremony accompanied by the solemn sound of conch horns. The huge Thangka is rolled up and covered with hada scarves thrown from all directions. Devout believers step forward one after another and use their bodies to carry this Thangka depicting the appearance of the Buddha. The unveiling of the Thangka, which is around 200 feet wide and 150 feet tall, is a moment of great excitement and reverence.

Tashilhunpo Monastery Thangka Festival

The Tashilhunpo Monastery Thangka Festival is another important event held on the 14th to 16th day of the fifth lunar month in Shigatse. Initiated in 1447 by the Dalai Lama, Gedun Drupa, the festival displays a series of magnificent Thangkas. In the early morning, the pilgrims line up along the monastery’s pilgrim paths, stretching for kilometers. With the sound of solemn religious horns, the carefully rolled-up Thangkas are carried out from the Buddha halls. As the monks toss barley into the sky, a gesture symbolizing offerings to the deities, the Thangkas are slowly unfurled on the sun-facing wall of the exhibition platform. The first day usually displays the Thangka of the Past Buddha (Amitabha), followed by the Present Buddha (Sakyamuni) on the second day and the Future Buddha (Maitreya) on the third day. Pilgrims then take their hada, circle them around the incense burners as a sign of purification, and then bow in prayer and earnestly make wishes. After that, they place the hada in front of the Thangka, believing that the Buddha will bless them and make their wishes come true.

Places to Buy Thangka Paintings in Tibet for Souvenir

For travelers interested in owning Thangka paintings as souvenirs in Tibet, several locations offer a variety of options. Here are some of the best places to find authentic and high-quality Thangka paintings:

Barkhor Street

Barkhor Street is one of the most famous shopping areas in Lhasa, located in the heart of the old town. This bustling street, part of the kora around the Jokhang Temple, offers you a wide array of Tibetan crafts including Thangkas. The street is lined with shops and stalls offering traditional Thangkas, modern interpretations, and even custom-made pieces. It’s an ideal place to explore and purchase souvenirs while experiencing the vibrant local culture.

Specialized Thangka Shops

In addition to the general shops on Barkhor Street, there are specialized Thangka stores in Lhasa that focus exclusively on Thangka paintings. These shops often have a wider selection and may offer higher-quality pieces. They are also more likely to provide detailed information about the history, techniques, and significance of the paintings. Some well-known stores include: Thangka Painting Store on East Barkhor Street which is known for its wide variety of Thangkas and knowledgeable staff who can guide you through the different types and styles, and Tibetan Traditional Thangka Painting School which not only teaches Thangka painting but also sells high-quality pieces created by their students and master artists.

Monasteries and Cultural Centers

Some monasteries and cultural centers in Tibet also sell Thangka paintings. These pieces are often more authentic and spiritually significant, as they are created by monks or artists closely associated with religious institutions. For example, the Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery in Lhasa occasionally offer Thangkas for sale, and the proceeds often go towards the maintenance of the monasteries. Visiting these places not only allows you to purchase a meaningful souvenir but also supports the preservation of Tibetan cultural heritage.

Preservation of Tiebetan Thangka Paintings

Unlike traditional oil or acrylic paintings, Thangkas consists of a painted or embroidered picture panel mounted on a textile and covered with silk. While Thangkas are known for their longevity and ability to retain their vibrancy, they require careful storage. Due to their delicate nature, they should be kept in dry environments to prevent damage from moisture. When not on display, Thangkas are rolled up like scrolls, with protective coverings on both sides to ensure their longevity.

Conclusion

Thangka paintings are an integral part of Tibetan art and culture, offering a unique glimpse into the region’s spiritual heritage. For more insights into Thangka or to experience this art form firsthand, consider joining a Tibet tour. Along with Tibet Horizon, you’ll visit monasteries like Drepung and Tashilhunpo to see stunning Thangkas up-close, meet local artists in their studios to learn about the creation process, and explore markets in Lhasa and other towns to buy authentic pieces as souvenirs of your own will.