About Thangkas

Introduction

The word 'thang ka' literally means a plain surface. It is a painting done on a flat cotton surface depicting divinities or patterns that allows it to be easily rolled up and transported. Thangkas play an important role in Buddhist rituals by providing support during the process of visualization.

The visualization of the deity is one of the distinctive features of the Buddhist practice. Therefore iconographic themes are fixed by tradition and are based on the expression of the figures, the proportions of the figures and details such as what the figures are holding, what they are wearing, and what other elements appear in the painting.