Mineral pigments include red coral, agate, pearl and gold. These pigments have high purity and strong colors, and are often used to draw the background and patterns of Thangka. Plant pigments include turquoise, lapis lazuli, amber, coral and so on. These pigments are soft and fresh, suitable for drawing the patterns and details of Thangka. Animal pigments include malachite, snail shell and tortoise shell. These pigments have special textures and colors, which can add unique texture to Thangka's pictures.
Metal pigments, including silver and copper, have high brightness and reflectivity and are suitable for drawing special effects of Thangka, such as metal utensils or jewelry. Synthetic pigments These pigments are commonly used in modern Thangka paintings, including acrylic and oil painting pigments. They have good stability and durability and are not easy to fade.
The Artistic Value of Thangka
Thangka's artistic value is mainly reflected in the drawing process. Thangka is rich in colors, with as many as 160 colors. All colors are derived from five basic colors: white, red, green, blue and yellow, and then all colors are modulated in different proportions, which shows the delicate color matching of the painter. Their application and refining of pigments have formed a unique color production, blending and use technology.
Through the skillful hand of the painter, these color raw materials have created the life and glory of Thangka art, making it famous for its gorgeous and bright colors. These characteristics of Thangka are closely related to the selection of painting materials and the complicated and rigorous production process. Tibetans are religious people, and Thangka is a sacred object of Tibetans, so the painting materials are also very particular. All pigments are taken from nature, and the works drawn with them are pure in color, high in quality and strong in light resistance, and will not fade after thousands of years.