Buddhist ''Thangka'' Paintings Enrich Tibetan Culture

MSN | Pakistan Matters
By Kiran Mamgain

Traditional Thangka Painting

INDIA - A visit to the picturesque locales of Tibet, also called the ''roof of the world'', not only leaves one spellbound with its serene beauty, but also with the traditional ''thangka'' paintings of Buddha, a centuries-old art highly influenced by Indian and Nepalese styles. Painted on canvas and mounted usually in silk brocade, thangkas are also sometimes called scroll paintings generally depicting a Buddhist deity or famous scene. These paintings, which adorn the walls of almost every monastery, household, store and museum here, are more than just a work of art for locals as they view these as an object of devotion which help them attain spiritual peace. [link]