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Thangka

Sacred Buddhist Art by Master Painters of Kathmandu

Made to order MOQ 5-10 pieces per design for student-quality 4-12 weeks depending on quality level and complexity

Made to order, quoted per enquiry

We do not hold thangka paintings in stock. Work is made by the Kathmandu Valley workshop that fits the specification, so tell us what you need and we will come back with a price against your quantity and finish.

Minimum order
5-10 pieces per design for student-quality; master-quality quoted per piece
Indicative price
$70-$900 per piece depending on size, quality level and gold content. Master works are quoted individually and run far higher.
Lead time
4-12 weeks depending on quality level and complexity
  • Authentic hand-painted thangka: from around $50-$90 at the entry level
  • Mid-tier hand-painted work: from around $150
  • Master-quality and large commissions: $1,000 and up, quoted per piece

Indicative market range from desk research, not a workshop quote. Confirm before quoting a buyer.

Request a quote How wholesale works

About thangka

Thangka paintings are traditional Tibetan Buddhist scroll paintings created on cotton or silk canvas. In Nepal, the art form has flourished for centuries in the workshops of Patan, Bhaktapur, and Boudhanath. Each thangka is a spiritual and artistic undertaking — master painters spend weeks to months on a single piece, using mineral pigments, gold leaf, and techniques codified in ancient iconographic texts. Subjects include Buddha, Tara, Mandala, Wheel of Life, and Hindu deities. Thangkas serve as meditation aids in Buddhist practice and as stunning decorative art for collectors worldwide.

How they are made

The artist begins by stretching cotton canvas on a wooden frame and applying multiple layers of gesso (a mixture of chalk and animal glue) to create a smooth painting surface. The composition is sketched following strict iconometric proportions outlined in Buddhist scriptures — the exact placement and proportions of each figure are prescribed and never improvised. Colors are ground from mineral stones and mixed with animal glue binder. The artist paints in layers, beginning with the background and working forward to the central deity. Gold detailing is applied last using 24-karat gold leaf or gold paint. A finished thangka is then mounted in silk brocade and fitted with wooden scroll rods.

Thangka — questions people ask

What is the difference between student and master quality thangkas?
Student quality thangkas are painted by apprentice artists under supervision — they follow correct iconography but have simpler detailing and limited gold work. Master quality thangkas are created by experienced painters with 10-20+ years of training, featuring extremely fine line work, extensive gold leaf application, and mineral pigments throughout. The price difference reflects the skill level and time invested.
Are your thangkas painted using traditional methods?
Yes, our partner workshops use traditional mineral pigments, canvas preparation, and painting techniques. We do not sell printed reproductions. Every thangka is hand-painted by a trained artist following classical Newari or Tibetan iconographic traditions.
Can I commission a custom thangka painting?
Absolutely. You can specify the deity, size, quality level, color palette, and whether you want silk brocade mounting. Custom commissions require a 50% deposit and 6-12 weeks for completion depending on complexity.
How should thangkas be displayed and cared for?
Hang thangkas away from direct sunlight, moisture, and extreme temperature changes. Mineral pigments are light-sensitive and will fade with prolonged UV exposure. For valuable pieces, museum-quality UV-protective glass framing is recommended. Rolled thangkas should be stored in acid-free tissue in a cool, dry place.
Do you offer wholesale pricing for galleries and gift shops?
Yes, we work with galleries, museum shops, yoga centers, and Buddhist centers worldwide. Wholesale pricing starts at 10 pieces for student quality and 5 pieces for master quality. We can also provide custom sizing and framing options for retail display.

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