Tibetan Paintings

Paintings are one of the main excellent art forms in Tibet. The Tibetan paintings have not only kept their own traditional artistic characteristics but also absorbed something excellent from the Chinese Han nationality, India, and Nepal. There are generally four kinds of Tibetan paintings: rock paintings, murals, Thangkas, and engraving paintings.

Types of Tibetan Paintings

Rock Paintings

Rock paintings are the main form of paintings before the early Tubo Kingdom of Tibet. They usually remained on the large rocks and cliffs which are made from chiseling, sculpturing, and painting. In them, various contents are described, including Tibetans' herding, hunting, moving tribes, dancing, natural worshipping, and wars, as well as religious symbols and ceremonies. Among these, herding animals and religious symbols are the most frequent motifs. The religious themes they talk about are closely connected to the indigenous religion, Bon of Tibet.

Murals

Murals are created on the basis of rock paintings and are one of the most abundant and perfect forms of paintings in Tibet. They appear in almost every temple in Tibet and can be widely seen on the walls, ceilings, and passages. For their visual expression and the huge and continuous space where they exist, they are often created to illustrate religious teachings, historical events, legends, myths, and the social life of Tibetans. So they can be called an encyclopedia of Tibet religion, history, and cultures.

Thangkas

Religious paintings mounted on brocade and rolled up between two sticks are called thangkas. Their eminent portability was essential in a land of nomads, and they were often used by mendicant preachers and doctors as a visual learning aid. Not so portable are the huge thangkas, the size of large buildings, that are unfurled every year during festivals. Traditionally, thangkas were never bought or sold.

The production of a thangka is an act of devotion, and the process is carefully formalized. Linen (or now more commonly cotton) is stretched and lime is called gesso. Iconography is bound by strict mathematical measurements. A grid is drawn onto the thangka before outlines are sketched in charcoal, starting with the main central deity and moving outwards.

Colors are added one at a time, starting with the background and ending with shading. Pigments were traditionally natural: blue from lapis, with at least a little gold. The last part of the thangka to be painted is the eyes, which are filled in during a special 'opening the eye' celebration. Finally, a brocade backing of three colors and a 'curtain' are added, the latter to protect the thangka.

Engraving Paintings

Engraving paintings appear the latest among all these forms of paintings. They are created with the introduction of the engraving printing technique to Tibet in the early 13th century. The main works of these paintings are the iconographs of sutras and picture volumes of various Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.

Techniques and Materials

Pigments

Traditional thangkas use natural pigments derived from minerals and plants. Gold and silver leaf are used to highlight sacred elements, such as the halos of deities or the details of their ornaments. 

Pigments are applied in layers, starting with lighter colors and gradually adding darker shades. This creates depth and dimension.

Gold and silver leaf are applied last, often using a special technique to ensure they adhere smoothly and shine brightly.

The use of natural pigments in thangka painting is a centuries-old tradition, deeply tied to the spiritual and symbolic nature of the art form. For example mineral pigments are derived from crushed minerals and stones, like lapis lazuli for deep blue, malachite for green color, cinnabar for red, ochre for yellow and earth tones.

Plant based pigments are colors that are extracted from plants, roots and flowers. For example they use indigo for blue, saffron for yellow and madder root for red. 

Brushwork

The brushwork in Tibetan paintings is meticulous, with great attention to detail. The composition is usually hierarchical, with the main deity or figure occupying the central position, surrounded by smaller figures and motifs.

The brushwork in Tibetan thangka painting is incredibly detailed and requires immense skill, patience, and spiritual dedication. Here’s what makes it unique:

Tools:

• Brushes: Traditional brushes are made from animal hair, such as sable or mongoose, and are carefully crafted to achieve fine lines and intricate details.
• Canvas: The canvas is prepared by stretching cotton or silk over a wooden frame and coating it with a mixture of chalk and gelatin to create a smooth, durable surface.

Techniques:

• Line Work: The artist begins by sketching the design with a pencil or charcoal. The outlines are then painted with fine, precise brushstrokes, often using black or dark colors.
• Shading and Detailing: Artists use delicate brushwork to add shading, texture, and intricate details, such as the folds of robes, the petals of flowers, or the patterns on a mandala.
• Gold Detailing: Gold is applied using a special brush or tool to create fine lines, dots, or patterns, enhancing the sacredness of the painting.

Training and Skill:

• Thangka artists undergo rigorous training, often starting as apprentices in their youth. They learn not only the technical skills but also the religious and symbolic meanings behind the art.
• Mastery of brushwork can take decades, as the artist must achieve both technical precision and spiritual alignment with the subject matter.

Symbolism and Meaning

Colors: Colors in Tibetan paintings are symbolic. For example:

• Blue: Represents the infinite and the transcendental, often associated with the Medicine Buddha or Akshobhya.
• White: Symbolizes purity, peace, and long life, linked to deities like White Tara.
• Red: Signifies life force, power, and preservation, often used for protective deities.
• Yellow: Represents wisdom, wealth, and fertility, associated with Ratnasambhava and other wisdom deities.
• Green: Symbolizes activity, healing, and the natural world, often used for Green Tara.
• Gold:  symbolizes enlightenment and purity, 
• Silver: represents clarity and reflection.

Gestures and Postures: The gestures (mudras) and postures of the figures carry specific meanings. For instance, the gesture of teaching (Dharmachakra mudra) or the posture of meditation (Dhyana mudra) are commonly depicted.

Contemporary Tibetan Art

Modern Interpretations: Contemporary Tibetan artists are blending traditional techniques with modern themes, creating a dynamic and evolving art form.

Global Influence: Tibetan paintings have gained international recognition, with exhibitions and collections worldwide, highlighting their artistic and spiritual significance.

Where to See Tibetan Paintings

Potala Palace (Lhasa)

The walls of the Potala Palace are covered with murals depicting Buddhist teachings, the lives of past Dalai Lamas, and important historical events.

Scenes from the Jataka Tales (stories of the Buddha’s previous lives) are prominently featured, illustrating moral lessons and the path to enlightenment.

The Great Fifth Dalai Lama’s life is depicted in a series of murals, showcasing his achievements and contributions to Tibetan Buddhism.

The Chapel of the Dharma King contains murals of protective deities and mandalas, used for meditation and rituals.

The palace houses a vast collection of antique thangkas, many of which are displayed during special religious festivals.

Thangkas of Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara), the bodhisattva of compassion, are particularly significant, as the Dalai Lamas are considered his incarnations.

Jokhang Temple (Lhasa)

The temple’s frescoes depict scenes from the life of Buddha Shakyamuni, including his birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana (passing into nirvana).

The Wheel of Life (Bhavachakra) is a common theme, illustrating the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth according to Buddhist cosmology.

Frescoes of protector deities, such as Palden Lhamo and Mahakala, are also found in the temple, symbolizing the protection of the Dharma.

The Jokhang Temple houses a revered Jowo Rinpoche statue, and the surrounding walls are adorned with thangkas of Tara, Manjushri, and other bodhisattvas.

During the Great Prayer Festival (Monlam Chenmo), the temple displays large, intricately embroidered thangkas of the Buddha and other deities.

Tashilhunpo Monastery (Shigatse)

The monastery’s walls are covered with murals of Buddhist teachings, including depictions of the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, and the Twelve Links of Dependent Origination.

The Assembly Hall features murals of the Kalachakra Mandala, a complex geometric design representing the universe and used in advanced meditation practices.

Scenes from the lives of past Panchen Lamas and their contributions to Tibetan Buddhism are also depicted.

Tashilhunpo Monastery is home to a vast collection of thangkas, including those of Amitabha Buddha, Maitreya (the Future Buddha), and Vajrapani.

The Thangka Wall, a massive structure used for displaying giant thangkas during festivals, is a highlight of the monastery.

Norbulingka Palace (Lhasa)

Norbulingka, the summer residence of the Dalai Lamas, is known for its colorful and intricate murals, as well as its beautiful gardens.

The palace’s murals depict scenes from Tibetan history, including the lives of the Dalai Lamas and the spread of Buddhism in Tibet.

The Chapel of the Dalai Lama's features murals of Green Tara, White Tara, and other deities associated with compassion and protection.

The New Palace (built by the 14th Dalai Lama) contains murals of Tibetan cultural life, including traditional festivals, dances, and rituals.

Norbulingka houses a collection of thangkas of the Medicine Buddha, symbolizing healing and the alleviation of suffering.

Thangkas of Shakyamuni Buddha and Padmasambhava (the founder of Tibetan Buddhism) are also prominently displayed.