Chinese Thangka Art

Author: Tianjin Renmei
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-01-01
Features: There are traditionally two definitions of Tibetan Thangka (literally translated as scroll paintings). One is broad, referring to all types of scroll paintings as Thangkas (including paintings on cloth, brocade, appliqué, and embroidery). The other is narrow, limiting Thangka to cloth paintings only. To understand this issue more accurately, after consulting with high lamas of Tibetan Buddhism, it was found that the former definition is more common and better explains the matter. Thangka is a transliteration of the Tibetan word, where "Thang" means flat, and "Ka" (also translated as "Ga") means colorful. The original Thangkas were painted on leather. At that time, Buddhism had not yet been widely spread in Tibet, and these colorful paintings on the leather were merely intended to increase its value. Later, they gradually evolved into various forms. The style of Tibetan Thangkas is diverse. Especially the cloth paintings. Throughout history, many painting schools have emerged. Some excel in vibrant and rich colors, others are renowned for their delicate and brilliant details, while some incorporate the characteristics of Indian, Nepalese, and Chinese painting (Han Chinese painting), even incorporating the expressive techniques of Western oil painting.