A thangka (also spelled as "thang-ga" or "thanka") is a traditional Tibetan Buddhist painting or scroll, typically depicting deities, mandalas, or scenes from Buddhist mythology. Thangkas are usually created on cotton or silk and often framed with brocade or silk borders.
Thangkas are considered sacred objects in Tibetan Buddhism and are used in religious ceremonies, meditation practices, and as aids for teaching the dharma (Buddhist teachings). They are believed to have a powerful spiritual presence and are sometimes regarded as visual representations of the Buddha-nature.
The process of creating a thangka involves a combination of spiritual practice, artistic skill, and technical expertise. Thangka painters undergo years of training to develop their skills, learning traditional techniques and iconography, as well as the spiritual aspects of their art. The creation of a thangka can take months or even years to complete, with the artist carefully following prescribed methods for composition, color, and symbolism.
