Thangka:

The Sacred Art of Tibetan Buddhism

At Urtara, we believe that true luxury lies in inner peace and wisdom.

Thangka, a sacred painting tradition with over a thousand years of history, serves not only as a profound visual scripture of Tibetan Buddhism but also as a spiritual map for the modern soul.

Today, we distill its essence into wearable art, allowing ancient wisdom to become a constant companion on your journey of personal style and spiritual practice.

The Historical Origin of Thangka

1.Background of Origin
Thangka originated around the 7th century during the Tubo Kingdom period. At that time, King Songtsen Gampo married Princess Bhrikuti of Nepal and Princess Wencheng of China’s Tang Dynasty. Both princesses brought Buddhism and their artistic traditions into Tibet, which promoted the fusion of Buddhist culture with local art.
In its early stage, Thangka was mainly used for religious ceremonies and meditation guidance—monks and followers would visualize deities through the paintings to assist in their spiritual practice.

2.Stages of Artistic Development

  • Early Period (7th–10th century): Influenced by the Indian Pala dynasty and Nepalese styles, characterized by smooth lines and vivid colors.
  • Middle Period (11th–15th century): During the flourishing of Buddhism, themes became more diverse, and distinct schools such as the Gadri and Menri styles emerged.
  • Later Period (after the 17th century): Colors became richer and details more refined, with an increasing shift toward realism and aesthetic expression.
  • Modern Thangka: Beyond religious use, it has become an important medium for art collection, cultural display, and international exchange.