Buddhist Hand Painting Thangka of Kalachakra, with Brocade, Hand Painted

KALACHAKRA
Kalachakra means the ‘Wheel of Time’ & offers tools to help you free yourself from cyclical existence [Skt. Samsara]. Samsara refers to patterns of behaviour such as habits & preconceived ideas concerning the nature of reality. Each of the tools held by the deity provides a specific solution. The sum of all of Kalachakra’s attributes can lead you to pure consciousness beyond the normal conception of space & time.

THANGKA BROCADE : Why to Brocade a Thangka
Silk brocading is a process of framing a Thangka in traditional Tibetan style. The frame is made of beautiful silk fabric having rich colors and patterns. Brocade can be added to any Thangka painting upon request. The diagram to the right (click the image for a larger view) shows the different components of a typical brocade frame.

INTRODUCTION TO THANGKA
A thangka, also known as tangka, thanka, or tanka, is a vibrant and intricate Tibetan Buddhist painting that serves as a visual representation of spiritual teachings. Crafted with meticulous detail on cotton or silk appliqué, thangkas depict a wide range of subjects including Buddhist deities, sacred scenes, mandalas, and narrative stories. These sacred artworks are traditionally kept unframed and rolled up for storage, resembling ancient scrolls. To protect their delicate nature, thangkas are mounted on textile backings and often adorned with a silk cover on the front. Proper preservation in dry environments is crucial to maintain the integrity and longevity of the silk.