JAPANESE STYLE THANGKAS

Exotic India is delighted to share a unique style of Thangka paintings you probably would not have seen before – Japanese style Thangkas. These are the perfect blend of traditional Buddhist art and Japanese artistic influences. Thangka art beautifully depicts the deities of Tibetan Buddhism or showcases religious scenes from their lives. Several artists from Tibet and the Indian subcontinent are experts at making these explicitly religious paintings on silk or cotton fabric using natural dyes. Thangka paintings are similar to Chinese scroll paintings in the sense that when not on display, they are kept rolled up and unframed and are affixed on a traditional textile background, further protected by a silk cover in front. However, modern artists create Thangka paintings on a simple canvas using artificial colors such as watercolors or acrylic paints.

When Japanese artistic touch is incorporated into Buddhist Thangka paintings, they take on certain distinct features that set them apart from typical traditional Tibetan Thangkas. As you can see these paintings exhibit remarkable attention to detail. The clothing of the figures bears intricate patterns and motifs. The backdrop is generally simple and minimalistic. These figures have elongated and languid eyes, wide facial features, exaggerated physical postures, and sensuous youthful bodies. The Bodhisattva figures have serene expressions on their round faces and evoke a sense of calmness in the minds of the viewers. The diligent artists of Japanese style Thangka paintings usually use soft shades of blue, crimson, gold, mustard, and emerald green to exude feelings of tranquility and divinity.

Each of our masterpieces is a testament to the exquisite creativity of the artists who have poured their utmost care and attention into making these spiritually enriching paintings. Incorporate these into your interior decor to transform the space into a divine corner that showcases the cultural heritage of Japanese artistic traditions.

Q. What distinguishes Japanese style Thangkas from traditional Tibetan Thangka paintings?

Japanese style Thangka paintings incorporate certain distinct elements such as a harmonious color palette, youthful figures and serene facial features. These elements distinguish them from traditional Tibetan Thangka paintings.

Q. What is the significance of a Thangka in Buddhism?

Thangkas are traditional paintings that are used by Buddhist followers for carrying out their spiritual practices such as meditation. They concentrate their minds on the divine Buddhist figures to invoke the transcendental qualities in them. These paintings also serve as an important tool for preaching the principles of Buddhism to others.

Q. Can Japanese style Thangkas be used as decorative items?

Japanese-style Thangkas are generally used as spiritual tools to advance on the path to enlightenment. However, due to their aesthetic appearance, many people use them as decorative items in their homes or workspace. Since these paintings hold great spiritual potency, wherever they are displayed, that place becomes sacred. Therefore, it is important to note that their sacredness should not be neglected even if you choose to use them decoratively.