Tangka: Exquisite Textile Artworks

Thangka (also transliterated as Tangga or Tangka from Tibetan) refers to a vibrant scroll painting traditionally embroidered or painted on cloth, silk or paper. As a distinctive art form of the Tibetan people, Thangka boasts a millennia-old history and diverse themes, often hailed as the “encyclopedia of Tibetan culture”. In 2006, “Tibetan Thangka” was inscribed into China’s inaugural National Intangible Cultural Heritage List.

Historical Origins
Thangka art traces its roots to the Tubo period (7th–9th centuries). Historical records note murals adorning Yumbu Lhakhang, Xizang’s first palace constructed over two millennia ago. The 7th-century construction of the Potala Palace and other royal complexes under the Tubo Kingdom further propelled the development of Tibetan painting traditions.

Creation Process

Crafting a Thangka involves intricate steps:

Stretching canvas over a wooden frame.

Applying a base layer of chalk mixed with glue.

Sketching outlines using charcoal or ink.

Coloring with mineral pigments and gold or silver leaf.

Mounting the finished work with silk brocade borders.

Themes span Tibetan Buddhism, history, folklore and medicine, rendered through harmonious compositions that balance meticulous linework with vivid hues.

Major Schools of Thangka Painting

Manniang School (勉唐画派):
Dominant in the Ü-Tsang region (central Xizang Autonomous Region), this style synthesizes Indian and Nepalese influences with Tibetan motifs such as floral patterns and landscapes. Figures are elegantly proportioned, often accentuated with gold outlines.

Karzhi School (噶玛嘎孜画派):
Emerging in the 16th century and flourishing in the Kham region (spanning eastern Xizang Autonomous Region and western Sichuan Province), it integrates Ming dynasty Chinese painting techniques, emphasizing delicate lines and bold colors.

ChenZher School (钦泽画派):
Primarily practiced in western Xizang Autonomous Region and Shannan Prefecture, it retains the tradition of large central deities while incorporating Han Chinese landscape aesthetics.

Other notable styles include the Menlha and Rebkong schools, the latter originating in Qinghai Province’s Amdo region.

Cultural Characteristics

Thematic Diversity: While 80% of Thangka depict Buddhist deities and narratives, others illustrate historical events, Tibetan medicine, astronomy and daily life.

Portability: Designed for nomadic lifestyles, Thangka can be easily rolled and transported, serving both personal devotion and communal rituals.

Narrative Richness: Despite their compact size, many Thangka intricately portray cosmic realms—heaven, earth and the underworld—within a single frame.

Modern Revival and Global Reach

In 2020, the National Art Museum of China’s “Art Empowerment for Poverty Alleviation” exhibition featured 36 Thangka works from Xizang Autonomous Region and Qinghai Province, underscoring efforts to preserve this heritage. International exhibitions, such as the 2024 “One Glance, A Millennium” showcase in Bangkok, have further globalized appreciation for Thangka’s artistry.

Contemporary artists like Dezheng and Bama Tashi innovate by blending traditional Tibetan motifs with abstract Western techniques. Works such as Yak and Dusk Pasture exemplify this fusion, marrying dynamic color palettes with cultural symbolism to bridge past and present.