Thankas

The art of Thanka painting is very old and was practiced as early as 3rd century B.C. in Tibet. The word "Thanka" is believed to have come from the Tibetan word "thang yig" meaning a written record. Thankas are fine paintings which are made with a great care and concentration all by hands. The tradition of Thanka painting was just outset in Tibet and is not confined only within Tibet and Tibetan community but those who adopted the Tibetan Buddhism learnt this art so as Thakali, Sherpas, Tamangs, Yolmos, Manangeys, and Newars are the instants. In accordance with the religious culture, the Thanka to be kept at the worship room sanctifies with holy water muttering mantras to enliven Thankas mystic power and puts kada (a two feet long silk cloth) on it. Since then the devotee use to bow his /her head before it at the time of worship especially in the morning time. These colorful hand paintings generally represent Buddhist and Hindu Gods, Goddesses, meditating Buddha and his life cycle, Wheel of Life, Mandala, Bhairab, Exotic pictures, etc.

As Thankas are ritual painting most people never considered the Thankas as an object of decoration. But nowadays Thankas are gaining popularity as a decorative item all over the world. Usually painted on cotton cloth, more rarely on silk, colours are traditionally made from minerals as well as vegetable dyes but now a days Tibetan artists also use modern synthetic dyes, silver and gold.