#2 .Sikkim Art and Handicraft Culture

  #2. Sikkim Art and Handicraft Culture

The culmination of Tibetan Buddhist art, thangkas are pictorial religious scrolls. Most often hand painted with mineral colours and gold dust, traditional thangkas were also embroidered or appliqued. Seen in monasteries and also homes, they are not merely decorative in function but are highly revered objects with religious significance. The art form originated in Nepal in the 7th century, developing into several schools of painting. 

Historically, thangkas were used as teaching aids.  A lama or teacher would travel giving talks on Buddha’s life and teachings. He would carry with him painted scrolls to convey spiritually significant events, aspects of different deities, or Buddhist concepts. Made strictly according to the scriptures, thangkas are considered a visual representation of a spiritual reality. 

Thangka of Buddha Shakyamuni with his two principal disciples.

A thangka is often a visual representation of a particular deity. The central figure in the composition, the deity is shown strictly according to the guidelines of religious texts.

The secondary figures or surrounding areas also have symbolic relevance.

The painting is mounted in brocade usually of red (the colour of the lamas), yellow (for the Buddha), and blue (symbolizing eternity).

Born Prince Siddhartha Gautama of Lumbini, Nepal, the Buddha Shakyamuni renounced his princely life.

After rigorous ascetic practice, he gained insight into the nature of existence. At this moment he invoked the earth as witness, as indicated by the gesture of his right hand.

Buddhist art celebrates this supreme moment.

Thangka of White Tara, known as Dolma in Tibetan.

Tara is one of the most popular female deities in Tibetan Buddhism and is worshipped in a majority of the Buddhist world.

This thangka was painted by Lharipa Nima Tshering Bhutia of Sikkim, for which he received the National Award in 1994.

Considered the embodiment of compassion, Tara bestows blessings of health, happiness and longevity.

Here she is shown with a third eye in the middle of her forehead, as also eyes in the soles of her feet and palms of her hand.

These are symbols of her wisdom and her ability to see all beings in the realms of existence.

A thangka of Green Tara.

Of the many different representations of Tara, White and Green Tara are the most worshipped.

A symbol of universal compassion, the Green Tara is worshipped for her ability to overcome difficult situations, giving protection against dangers and obstacles.

Like White Tara, her right hand is extended in a gesture of generosity. Her extended right leg signifies her readiness for swift action.

She is the dynamic manifestation of Tara, the embodiment of enlightened action.

The colours used in this thangka are mineral colours. The gold in the ornaments and detailing is made from real gold dust.

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I hope you enjoyed my second blog, I'll soon be back with more about the art history of sikkim with some deep meaning and myths about these ancient and beautiful painting.....