Thangkas are a unique, popular Tibetan art form that originated in the Songtsan Gampo era of Tibet. Initially a type of painting designed based on the Nepalese style, it later developed into a mesmerizing, full-fledged art form with its unique beauty and function. In its last stage of development during the 18th century, it was heavily influenced by the elements of traditional Chinese paintings. To pay tribute to their gods, Tibetan monks and commoners alike carry a thangka with them as they travel from place to place. When in Beijing, remember that some local shops here have exquisite thangkas for shoppers and tourists like you in Beijing.
Much like a scroll painting, thangkas can be easily rolled up for storage and unrolled for display. Travelers and monks like to carry a thangka when they travel to other places because it is very lightweight. Home-dwelling Tibetans also like to use thangkas in their homes because they are beautiful and can be easily be put on a wall.
In many ways, thangkas are like Buddhist statues. Both of them are used as a medium through which people pay tribute to their gods, say prayers, and make requests. But the difference is also obvious: whereas a Buddhist statue only represents a certain deity in Buddhism, a thangka shows the deity and depicts his/her life stories, important events, and the Buddhist teachings associated with the deity. Such depiction is aimed to educate, enlighten, and enhance the contemplative experience of the Buddhists who study them.
On a thangka, no detail is too small to ignore. Everything, like the color, the clothes, and the positions or postures of the people, contains bits of information that contribute to the profound symbolism of the overall image. For a Buddhist, the teachings of Buddhism can be learned by memorizing these details and imaging the image in their minds.
When used by monks traveling from place to place, thangkas can serve as an excellent educational tool. Tibetan monks who carry thangkas have been traveling to remote regions and teaching Buddhism for hundreds of years. As a tradition, monks living in monasteries display their precious thangkas to the public during ceremonies or festivals.
Thangkas are either painted by hand or embroidered with high-quality threads. Some extremely valuable thangkas are made of precious pearls and gold. Making a thangka is not an easy task. Usually it takes five properly trained artists to finish one thangka. Paint made of natural minerals is commonly used, as it gives a touch of vividness to the picture. Painting a thangka requires a mastery over a variety of drawing skills and an in-depth understanding of Tibetan Buddhism. Subtle hints are incorporated into every detail on the image.
Thangkas are divided into two major types: "Bris-Tang" and "Go-Tang." The differences between these two are the materials used and the methods of manufacture.
"Bris-Tang": Thangkas that are painted are called "Bris-Tang." The five specific types of this category are: Multi-Colored, Gold Background, Vermilion Background, Black Background, and Block Printing "Bris-Tang."
"Go-Tang": Thangkas that are made of silk or decorated with embroidery are called "Go-Tang." This category includes: Embroidery, Applique, Glued Applique, Hand-Woven, and Block Printing "Go-Tang."
There is a strict rule concerning the use of colors on thangka. Different colors are used to denote different themes or different characters. Red is often the main color for thangkas depicting the life stories of the Buddha. Black is mostly used to depict gods whose main duty is subjugating evils. Blue is employed when the emphasis is on joyous events. Green is used to represent activity. And white symbolizes peace and compassion.
When in Beijing, check out the beautiful, authentic thangkas in many of the city's shops. For shoppers unfamiliar with the local business, it's best to find a Beijing tour guide to help with the shopping.
Much like a scroll painting, thangkas can be easily rolled up for storage and unrolled for display. Travelers and monks like to carry a thangka when they travel to other places because it is very lightweight. Home-dwelling Tibetans also like to use thangkas in their homes because they are beautiful and can be easily be put on a wall.
In many ways, thangkas are like Buddhist statues. Both of them are used as a medium through which people pay tribute to their gods, say prayers, and make requests. But the difference is also obvious: whereas a Buddhist statue only represents a certain deity in Buddhism, a thangka shows the deity and depicts his/her life stories, important events, and the Buddhist teachings associated with the deity. Such depiction is aimed to educate, enlighten, and enhance the contemplative experience of the Buddhists who study them.
On a thangka, no detail is too small to ignore. Everything, like the color, the clothes, and the positions or postures of the people, contains bits of information that contribute to the profound symbolism of the overall image. For a Buddhist, the teachings of Buddhism can be learned by memorizing these details and imaging the image in their minds.
When used by monks traveling from place to place, thangkas can serve as an excellent educational tool. Tibetan monks who carry thangkas have been traveling to remote regions and teaching Buddhism for hundreds of years. As a tradition, monks living in monasteries display their precious thangkas to the public during ceremonies or festivals.
Thangkas are either painted by hand or embroidered with high-quality threads. Some extremely valuable thangkas are made of precious pearls and gold. Making a thangka is not an easy task. Usually it takes five properly trained artists to finish one thangka. Paint made of natural minerals is commonly used, as it gives a touch of vividness to the picture. Painting a thangka requires a mastery over a variety of drawing skills and an in-depth understanding of Tibetan Buddhism. Subtle hints are incorporated into every detail on the image.
Thangkas are divided into two major types: "Bris-Tang" and "Go-Tang." The differences between these two are the materials used and the methods of manufacture.
"Bris-Tang": Thangkas that are painted are called "Bris-Tang." The five specific types of this category are: Multi-Colored, Gold Background, Vermilion Background, Black Background, and Block Printing "Bris-Tang."
"Go-Tang": Thangkas that are made of silk or decorated with embroidery are called "Go-Tang." This category includes: Embroidery, Applique, Glued Applique, Hand-Woven, and Block Printing "Go-Tang."
There is a strict rule concerning the use of colors on thangka. Different colors are used to denote different themes or different characters. Red is often the main color for thangkas depicting the life stories of the Buddha. Black is mostly used to depict gods whose main duty is subjugating evils. Blue is employed when the emphasis is on joyous events. Green is used to represent activity. And white symbolizes peace and compassion.
When in Beijing, check out the beautiful, authentic thangkas in many of the city's shops. For shoppers unfamiliar with the local business, it's best to find a Beijing tour guide to help with the shopping.
About the Author:
A. Lao writes about Chinese culture and history. He assists a Beijing personal shopper who brings customers to special Chinese stores. From time to time, he personally tailors Beijing China tours.
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