Thangkas

A thangka is a devotional image representing the most sacred aspects of the Tibetan Buddhist religion.

It is traditionally used as an aid and focus for meditation and devotional practices.

Thangkas are also commissioned and hung to increase good fortune and ward off negative energies.

in Buddhist practice it is customary to make valuable offerings in order to increase merit and to receive blessings from the Buddhas.

This sacred art is most popular and beloved to the Tibetan people, as well as to Buddhists worldwide, as they are representations of the enlightened potenital inherent in all sentient beings.

Thangkas are also appreciated by the art community for their high level of refined skill and effort, unique techniques, exquisite materials and the finely detailed depiction’s of the deities portrayed.

History of Thangkas,

During the 15th century fabric thangka using indigenous appliqué technique came into being. These richly embroidered and appliquéd thangkas gained much popularity, as they are suitable for making both small and large Buddhist art.

Giant Pedmasambhava applique thangka

Appliqued thangkas are often thought of as superior to the painted thangkas due to their choice of high quality materials, durability, suppleness and their ability to last many generations. There is no brittle paint to crack. There are no glues to come unstuck. All pieces are masterfully hand stitched using special embroidery techniques. This type of thangka has the potential to last many generations

In Tibet this highly regarded skill of thangka making has traditionally been passed on from senior monks to the younger generation. Unfortunately, this tradition has largely been lost in Tibet though it has resurfaced with the exiled Tibetans in India.

It is of historic importance to preserve this sacred art form as it holds great cultural and religious significance to Tibetans and Buddhist worldwide.