Thangka is a very special style of artistry; the result of a meticulous process designed to produce works of particular religious significance. The gorgeous pieces of art often serve as objects of worship, prominently displayed in temples, monasteries, and religious sections of homes.
This beautiful type of expression first appeared circa 1100 AD, as a combination of Chinese scroll painting, Nepal painting and Kashmir painting. Since then, it has evolved to encompass many different manners of creation, such as embroidery, printing, or pearl inlay. Though the most pervasive type of Thangka involves painting natural pigments on a silk screen, these alternate styles have become very popular.
Whatever the manner of portrayal, making a Thangka involves exacting standards. Artists must practice adherence to the sacred laws governing the portrayal of gods and Bhuddas and must preface many steps of the creation process with prayers and ceremony. Almost always created anonymously, Thangkas offer an amazing representation of divine beauty, placing emphasis of the subject rather than the artist.
Thangka may be the most beautiful and spiritual of all of the arts.