Tibetan artists have played a key role in the cultural and religious life of Tibet since the beginning of time. From designs of decorated furniture to elaborately painted murals, their efforts have permeated virtually every aspect of life on the Tibetan plateau.

Thangka paintings were ordered by individuals or religious institutions as meditation tools and for general protection and auspiciousness.

They are intricate traditional distemper and mineral paintings outlined with pure gold or silver on cotton cloth, depicting various Tibetan Buddhist deities and symbols and are usually framed with exquisitely ornate Chinese brocades.

It usually takes a minimum of 6 years to complete a basic apprenticeship in this art.