FAQs

FAQs for the Tibetan Buddhist Art Independent Website

1. Product related

Q : What is the production process and source of pigments for thangka?
A : Our thangkas are hand-painted using traditional techniques. Our pigments are derived from natural minerals (such as cinnabar, lapis lazuli, malachite , turquoise, realgar, pearls, and gold ) and plant extracts. Some details are outlined in pure gold. Each thangka undergoes several steps, including stretching the fabric, applying the base, outlining, coloring, and engraving, taking several months to produce.

Q : How to identify the material and age of old thangkas?
A : To identify old thangkas, you need to make a comprehensive judgment based on multiple dimensions, including material, craftsmanship, and painting style.

1. Material analysis:

• Canvas: Early thangkas (such as those from the Ming and Qing dynasties ) mostly used hand-woven cotton and linen cloth with a narrow width, so large thangkas needed to be spliced together from multiple pieces of cotton cloth, with obvious splicing marks.
• Pigments: Authentic works use natural mineral ( refer to Question 1 ) or plant pigments, with rich and steady colors that penetrate into the canvas fibers, and have fine and natural cracks; imitations have pigments that float on the surface, chemical pigments that fade easily and have no historical patina.

2. Characteristics of the era:

• 7th-9th century: The composition is simple, the main figure is large in proportion, only four colors are used: blue, yellow, red and white, and the lines are firm.
• 12th-15th century: The Gyantse School of Painting emerged, integrating Indian and Nepalese styles, with richer colors and a focus on psychological portrayal of characters.
• Ming and Qing Dynasties: In the early period, the painting style and skills of Tibetan lamas were relatively rough. In the late Qing Dynasty, influenced by the Han Dynasty's meticulous and colorful painting, the painting style and skills gradually became refined and gorgeous.
• If you unfold the canvas of a thangka that is over a hundred years old and shake it slightly, weathered powder will appear, which is the true precipitation of time.

3. Process details:

• Old thangkas have been hung or worshipped for a long time , so the old color formed by the smoke of incense is uniform and natural, and the color is calm after wiping; the aging marks of imitations are harsh (such as smoking, chemical soaking).
• There may be mantras written in cinnabar, handprints of living Buddhas or historical inscriptions on the back, which are important bases for dating.

4. Temple offerings:

Our old thangkas are collected from various Buddhist temples in Tibet. In the name of Tibetan Buddhism, we believe that they have magical blessing energy after more than a hundred years of offerings.

 

2. Purchase and Payment

Q : What payment methods are supported?
A : We accept online payments through Shopify , credit cards ( Visa/MasterCard ), Lianlian , and bank transfers . We offer global delivery for some high-priced artworks. If you need to pay in installments, please contact customer service for details.

Q : Can I customize my own thangka or Buddha statue?
A : We offer custom services. Please provide the theme (e.g., main deity, guardian deity), dimensions, and budget. The turnaround time is approximately 3-6 months. A 30 % deposit is required, with the remaining balance payable upon completion .

 

three, Logistics and after-sales

Q : How to ensure the safety of artworks during international transportation?
A : We use shockproof wooden boxes with built-in moisture-proof materials and are insured for transportation. Shipping costs are calculated based on the destination and weight. Usually, it will be delivered within 7-15 working days, but it may take longer to remote areas.

Q : What is the return policy?
A : Non-customized products can be returned within 14 days without reason (must be in the original packaging), excluding customized products and antique thangkas . Returns require proof of non-damage and shipping costs are the buyer's responsibility.

 

IV. Religion and Culture

Q : Who presides over the ceremony of blessing the Dharma objects?
A : The objects are consecrated by senior monks from Tibetan monasteries according to traditional rituals, and a video of the consecration and blessing is included . Some objects require a specific method of offering, so please contact customer service for details .

Q: How do you understand the role of Buddha statues in thangkas ?
A : Different Buddhas and Bodhisattvas represent different meanings and functions. The website has provided relevant function classifications. You can consult us for specific questions .

 

V. Other Services

Q : Can you provide advice on art collection and maintenance?
A : We recommend avoiding direct sunlight (especially for thangkas), regularly wiping the statue with a soft cloth, and maintaining humidity between 40% and 60% . You can also request an electronic copy of the "Tibetan Art Care Guide" upon purchase.