1. What is Thanka or Thangka Painting?
Thankga/Thanka is a sacred Buddhist painting, painted with intense care and fine detail on cotton canvas. Such thangka/thankas are hung on the walls of the monasteries or shrines at home and used for day-to-day worship and special events/rituals such as meditation, death rituals, etc.
2. Who paints Thangka/Thanka?
In Nepal, Tamangs (one of the ethnic groups of Nepal) are dominant thangka artists followed by a few Sherpa, Yomlo, and a few other castes. Likewise, Newars (another ethnic group) are the main artists who paint Newari-style thangka, Pauva.
All our thangkas/thankas are painted by highly skilled Tamang artists. Along with my parents, there are other relatives and artists who have been working with us for more than a decade.
3. What makes a difference in the price of a Thanka or Thangka?
There are many factors that make difference in the price (also quality) of thangka/thanka, a few of them are the material used (like color, gold), time spent, skill of the artist, design, etc. In general, the more time and skill are invested, the higher the price. So, only the size of a painting can not justify its price. Sometimes, a small thangka with immense detail costs more than a medium or a bigger thangka/thanka.
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4. Are the Thankas or Thangkas painted on paper or printed?a
Due to its perfect linings and work, sometimes one can misunderstand thangka/thanka as a print. However, thangka/thanka 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 painting process'.
5. Are Thangka/Thanka and Mandala the same or different?
In general, thangka/thanka refers to a form or style of the art while mandala is one of the subjects of thangka/thanka, such as Tara, Buddha, Wheel of Life, etc..
6. How to frame my Thangka/Thanka?
Thangka/Thanka(s) can be framed either in a wooden glass frame or silk brocade (traditional way as displayed in the monasteries or homes), as per the need. Most of the thangkas/thankas displayed here are without frames but if you want to have one for your thangka/thanka then please choose it while placing your order(s). Unfortunately, we don’t do glass framing for international shipping due to risk of damaging the painting while shipping.
7. Do you commission Thangka/Thanka?
Yes, we do. Please email us all the specifications.
8. Can I receive my order(s) within a week?
Yes, upon request for express shipping with an extra fee. However, it may take longer depending on the destination. So, to assure we encourage you to write us prior to making a purchase.
9. How do I know if my order has been shipped?
You will receive a Tracking Number or tracking details through email from us once your order is processed for shipping.
10. Do you offer wholesale/best deals?
Yes, 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.
11. Do you offer blessings or Thangka/Thanka or statues?
Yes, we offer Thankga/Thanka or statue blessing service as well. Please make sure to indicate it while making a purchase.
12. How to Take Care of Thangkas?
Handling & Transport:
- Always roll the Thangka tightly; never fold it.
- Use a protective cover or tube when transporting.
Storage & Display:
- Keep Thangkas away from direct sunlight and high humidity.
- Display in a glass frame or in a traditional frame with silk brocade.
Cleaning:
- For Thangkas with silk brocade, gently remove dust with a dry cloth.
- Never use water or any liquid on the surface.