Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Thanka or Thangka Painting?

Thankga/Thanka is a Tibetan word whose literal meaning is a flat(than) painting(ka). It is a sacred Buddhist painting, painted with intense care and fine detail. Such thangka/thankas are hung on the walls of the monasteries or shrines at home and used for day to day worship  and especial events/rituals like meditation and death etc.

2. Who paints Thangka/Thanka?

In Nepal, Tamang (one of the ethnic groups of Nepal) are dominant thangka artists followed by few Sherpa, Yomlo and few other castes. Likewise, Newar (another ethnic groups in Nepal) are main artists who paint Newari style thangka, pauva.

All our thangkas/thankas are painted by highly skillful Tamang artists. We have both male and female artists who have been working with us more than a decade.

3. What makes difference in the price of Thanka or Thangka?

There are many factors which make difference in the price (and quality) of thangka/thanka, few of them are material used (like color, gold), time spent, skill of artist, design etc. In general,  more the time and skill invested, higher the price would be. So, only the size of a painting can not justify it's price. Sometimes, a small thangka with immense detail cost higher than a medium or bigger size thangka. Likewise, variation in the price and quality addresses the need of the buyers with different budget and interest as well.

4. Are the Thanka or Thangka Paintings painted on paper or printed?

Due to its perfect linings and work sometime one can misunderstood thangka as a print. However, thangka is neither a print nor painted on paper but is painted on cotton canvas. For a complete process of making please refer to our page 'thangka making process' .

5. Are Thangka and Mandala same or different?

In general, the term thangka is a form or style of art while mandala is one of the subjects of thangka painting like Tara, Buddha, Wheel of life etc. But, it is found that thangka and mandalas are understood as two different aspects by the buyers. 

6. How to frame my Thangka/Thanka?

Thangka/Thanka(s) can be framed either in (wooden)glass frame or silk brocade (traditional way found as such in the monasteries) as per your need or wish. Most of the thangkas displayed here are without frames but if you want to have one for your thangka then please choose  one while placing order. Unfortunately, we don’t do glass framing for international shipping due to risk of damaging painting while shipping.

7. Is it safe to buy through your website?

It is very safe to shop with us as our  site is a secured shopping site.

8. Do you commission Thangka/Thanka?

Yes, we do, please email us with all the specifications then we will make it/them ready for you.

9. Can I receive my order within a week?

Yes, upon the request for express shipping with an extra fee. However, it may take  longer depending upon the destination. So, to assure we encorage you to write us prior making a purchase.

10. How do I know if my order has been shipped?

You will receive a Tracking No or tracking detail through e – mail from us once your order is proceed to ship.

11. Do you offer wholesale/best deals?

Yes, for bulk buyer we offer wholesale, please email us mentioning your requirements for the best deals that we could offer to you.

Have additional queries! , please contact us.