Thanka and Freska painting

Vajradharma

Ladakh has many kinds of paintings to its credit. Paintings hanged in monastries of Leh speak of predominance of Buddhism in the region. Freska paintings in particular have entirely the religious significance. They highlight various scenes of Lord Buddha's spirituality. Some of the paintings depict the process of the enlightenment which the Lord Buddha attained under a tree whereas some reveal, Nirvana, the stage of total freedom from desire, passion and anxiety to him. This variety of paintings is put under the title of Thanka paintings.

Paintings are made on white cloth (Latha). After cutting the cloth in appropriate lengths it is plastered with local clay which is found in abundance in village Spituk and places like Lamayuru.

The plastered object is then put in open for drying. After drying, it is smoothened by a special black stone called gota. It then gives the look of canvas. This smoothened cloth is mounted on a wooden frame and the artist then outlines the object to be prepared. The dry colours are mixed with hot water and required shades are kept ready. The painting when completed is fixed on a decorative piece of cloth and hanged on walls or scrolled. Some paintings are made out of real gold water so that it retains its shine for ever.