Silk Brocade Thanka or Thangka Paintings

We have large number of brocade thanka or thangka collection. Thangka or Thanka is traditionally framed in borders of silk brocade. The brocade frame of the Thangka or Thanka also holds symbolic meaning. The inner frame of brocade (often red) can be thought of as a rainbow gateway beyond which lies the pure land inhabited by the deity the Thangka or Thanka represents. Attached to the top of the frame is a rectangle of colored silk which is long enough to hang all the way down to the bottom of the painting. This acts as a cover for the Thankga or Thanka and allows it to be 'put to sleep' when it is not in use, as well as acting as a protective dust cover to keep the painting safe when it is stored. This material is usually woven in China and can use either Chinese motifs or more rarely nowadays traditional Tibetan designs. The finished painting is sewn within a brocade frame and finished with ribbons and silk to protect the image. The work of art is now recognizable as a Tibetan Buddhist Thangka.