What Is Thangka?

Thangka refers to a kind of religious scroll painting mounted with colored satin and hung for worship. It is a unique art in Tibetan culture. Its subjects include Tibetan history, politics, culture, life and other topics. Most works that are handed down across generations are about Tibetan Buddhism and Bon (a native religion).

Thangka has distinctive Tibetan ethnic features, rich religious connotations, and a unique artistic style. It always depicts religious themes with bright colors. Hailed as the “encyclopedia” of the Tibetan ethnic group, it is also a precious intangible cultural heritage of folk arts of the Chinese nation.