Tibetan Thangka Painting: Methods and Materials

Abstract

This study describes the techniques and principles of the art of Tibetan scroll painting, as observed by the authors during their repeated journeys to Asia, with the assistance of some 20 traditional painters. The art is first placed in its cultural-religious context, and the training, beliefs and traditions of the practitioners are reviewed. A painting is created in six steps: 1) preparation of the painting surface; 2) set-up of a design on that surface by means of a sketch or transfer; 3) laying-down of the initial coats of paint; 4) shading; 5) outlining; 6) finishing touches. Each of these technical steps entails the use of prescribed materials, also described: a chapter studies pigments, and another how they are mixed and applied. Relevant excerpts from earlier written sources are translated or presented in the reference material. Numerous line drawings and photographs illustrate the text and previously unpublished masterpieces from the Victoria & Albert Museum's collection have been added to represent the main categories of thanka. Line drawings of the principal symbols and motifs are appended. (See also AATA 26-527, 26-622 , and 26-825 for related abstracts in this issue. ) -- AATA

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