Commissioning a Thangka Painting

Commissioning a thangka is an indispensable part of life in Tibetan culture but this tradition is in danger of being lost. Commissions are paintings created for individuals supporting the studio. The act of commissioning a thangka brings merit both to the artist and to the eventual owner. Each painting is custom made and crafted by both the students and masters.

All of the paintings found on this web site as well as many others not pictured here are available for commission. Commissions have been and can be created in a nearly endless array of subjects which include, but are by no means limited to: deities (peaceful and wrathful); Tibetan medicines; astrology; astronomy; history; and dreams of higher lamas. Special paintings can also be done to honor the deceased during the bardo period between death and the re-birth.

Additionally, sizes of paintings may also be customized to the commissioner’s preference. For presentation, thangkas can be framed in two ways. Traditionally, the painting is mounted in a three-color silk brocade border. This border is done to the highest traditional specifications and leaves the painting nearly twice as large. However, a simple brocade border that allows for glass framing is also available.
There are five styles of paintings, samples of which are pictured below. The client may choose to commission their thangka in any one of these forms.

Why Commission From Thangde Gatsal Studio

Commissioning a thangka painting from Thangde Gatsal is a unique opportunity. Though there continue to be thangkas produced elsewhere, the thangkas commissioned from Thangde Gatsal Studio are held to the highest standards of quality and tradition. The training process of students at Thangde Gatsal is a rigorous program of at least 10 years, and all pieces produced are done so under strict supervision of the master. Although one can certainly find thangkas from other sources, those commissioned through the Thangde Gatsal school and studio are guaranteed to be of a quality that only comes with time, practice, strict attention to detail, dedication, and unrelenting adherence to the traditional procedures of this craft under constant supervision of master painter. The traditional techniques and materials, which Thangde Gatsal uses in EVERY piece, are more costly and time-consuming than other thangkas of lesser quality and value, but ensure the most beautiful and authentic quality. These include: use of traditional canvas techniques; hand-ground mineral pigments; use and application of pure gold and silver in the traditional techniques; the meticulous dedication to detail; and use of only the finest silk brocade in framing the piece.

How Commissions Help Preserve Tibetan Culture

The patron is not the only one that benefits from this extreme dedication to and application of only the highest standards of traditional quality. While the art of thangka painting of this quality is highly endangered by the plight of the Tibetan people, the preservation of traditional cultural arts, such as thangka painting, is ensured through exposure to those arts. The students and masters will only be given the opportunity to practice and enhance their craft if thangkas continue to be commissioned. The chance for a student or master to paint a deity or subject which they have only studied or sketched is made possible by those that believe in the beauty of this culture and choose to fund the creation of this art. A commissioned thangka hanging in one’s home or office protects that person, but also serves to protect this art by providing an opportunity for artists to interact with their culture and craft.

How to Commission a Thangka from Thangde Gatsal

Interested parties may commission a painting by Thangde Gatsal, which will be custom made and crafted by the students and masters. The price of a commissioned work covers the cost of materials to produce the piece and provides a stipend to cover the cost of living for the artist while crafting the commission. Prices vary with the size, subject, and amount of work required, but generally cost from 60,000 to 120,000 Indian Rupees ($1,500 to $3,000 USD). Payments are assessed in Indian rupees (INR) and are divided into two equal installments: one due at the time of commission and one upon receiving the completed piece.

As styles, prices, and waiting periods for commissions vary, please contact us.