Thangkas

Thangka painting tradition is characterized by a unique style that is very peculiar and truly fascinating. Behind each image of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Gods and Goddesses, terrifying Dharmapalas (protectors of the dharma), mythological animals, Gurus and intricate mandalas there are profound meanings that are linked to culture and religions of the Himalayas.
Thangka paintings are still considered very important for studying and preserving the religion, history, culture and traditions of several regions of Tibet, Nepal, north of India, Buthan and Mongolia.

The origin of the elaborated designs is in traditional Tibetan Buddhist meditation rituals and practices that Lamas and monks use to perform and teach. The visions of former Dalai Lamas, enlightened teachers, Dakinis and monks are expressed into the images of mandala, symbols and important figures of Buddhist, Hindu and Bon pantheon.
Historically these artworks were commissioned for both spiritual and mundane matters, for instance to help a sick person, to remove spiritual or material obstacles, to gain merit during commemoration of religious events or as a gift for a new temple or shrine.
This amazing art, according to the scholars, started in the Kathmandu valley and spread all around the Himalayan region especially in Tibet, Bhutan, North of India and influenced sacred art in South-East Asia, China and even Japan. Thangka painting art survived for centuries thanks to the patient and attentive work of families of different casts and different beliefs that carried on the passion of reproducing sacred images that we believe have truly important powers, and meanings that belong to all humanity.

We create our thangka paintings following the traditional method: using a cloth of organic cotton treated with natural glue and fine white clay mixed with water. The canvas is then smoothed with a marble stone using Pipal tree wood as support. The canvas is then attached with strings to a wooden or metal frame and dried to the sun for at least 3 days. The colors vary according to the quality: we use poster colors and both minerals colors tempered with a herbs and organic glue solution.
The application of gold and the polishing are the last steps and are performed only by more advanced artists and masters.
The decorations of gold and silver vary also with the quality that you select.
Student: No real gold.
Intermediate: 18 karat gold.
Master: pure 24 karat gold.

Check the details on thangka paintings qualities in order to understand the differences.

We accept commissions of customized thangkas based on a picture or a description you can provide.
You may order a combination of one or more thangkas displayed on this website with other images, composing the perfect artwork for your house, shrine, yoga studio or meditation room.

Please keep in mind that painting Thangkas demands great mastery over the drawing, a high understanding of geometric and iconography principles and overall…time.