Threaded Traditions: The Art of Brocade Framing in Thangka Paintings

What is a brocade?

Brocade is a rich fabric textile which consists of raised designs and patterns interwoven with a colorful thread, which can vary in different colors or even be gold and silver-coated

The patterns and designs portrayed in the brocade often relate to deities, mandalas, or scenes from Buddhist scriptures. Typically crafted from silk, a material considered sacred in Buddhism, brocade holds a special significance in the context of Buddhist art.

Brocade as thangka framing

Brocade framing is the process of framing a Thangka to give it a traditional appeal. Beyond its traditional significance, brocade framing imparts an attractive and appealing outlook to the Thangka.

Benefits of Brocade as a thangka framing

1. It provides a decorative borderline to the thangka.

2. It enhances the overall appearance of the thangka and provides the thangka's aesthetic appearance.

3. Attachment of thangka and brocade shows the union of cultural and artistic elements.

4. It can be easily hung up on the wall.

5. When hung up on the wall, it enhances the overall view of the room.

6. It is a visual representation of a deity, so people usually meditate by keeping the thangka in front of them.

Thangka framing is done with great care and respect, as the Thangka painting holds cultural and spiritual significance.

Process of making brocade

Making brocade is a very complex and detailed process.

The simultaneous step of making brocade is explained below:

1. Selection of material:

Brocade can be crafted from cotton, silk, or synthetic fibers based on the desired result. The chosen material significantly influences the appearance and texture of the surface

2. Preparing frame

The process of crafting brocade begins with preparing the loom, where long threads known as warp are stretched vertically. The loom, a device designed to hold the warp threads under tension, serves as the foundational structure for creating brocade. In this process, the warp threads are stretched both up and down within the frame.

3. Supplementary weft

In the next step, the weaving of brocade involves introducing additional threads known as supplementary weft. These threads are woven horizontally across the up-and-down warp threads. The supplementary weft floats over multiple warp threads to create a raised pattern.

4. Prototype of brocade

The design of brocade is initially drafted on paper or computer, serving as a guide for the weaver. This drafting process aids the weaver in creating the brocade with precision, ensuring an exact and raised design.

5. Color selection

Brocades are characterized by rich color patterns. Multiple color threads are used in both warp and weft to achieve the desired color pattern in brocade.

6. Final touch

After the weaving is completed, the brocade undergoes various finishing processes like washing, steaming and pressing. The final touch enhances the texture and appearance of brocade.

Process of Thangka framing

1. Selection and adjustment

To frame a Thangka, a suitable color brocade is chosen, cut, and adjusted to align with the dimensions of the Thangka

2. Sewing

The brocade is sewn around the edges of the Thangka to create a protective and decorative frame.

3. Ribbons

Some Thangka framing includes decorative ribbons attached to enhance its appearance and further enrich the cultural and spiritual aspects.

4. Final touch

In the final steps, any excess fabric is trimmed, giving a smooth texture and appearance to the artwork. This process also ensures that the brocade frame is evenly aligned with the Thangka painting.

Origin of brocade

It is believed that the manufacturing of brocade originated in China during the Warring States period. This belief gains further support from the discovery of brocades in tombs dating back to that era.

Origin of Thangka brocade

At first, brocade was the symbol of royalty due to its rich color and fabric. Brocade was used by kings and rich merchants to decorate their rooms. But as the time went on, brocade started appearing as the framing for the Thangka.

Opening borders

The origin of Thangka brocade can be traced back to the 1st century, during the reign of Emperor Songtsen Gampo. Brocade was not prevalent in Tibet during that period, but he initiated cultural exchanges with neighboring regions. Due to the prevalence of brocade in China, it is believed that this weaving tradition was introduced to Tibet.

Brocade as Thangka framing

The emperor played a crucial role in introducing the art of weaving to Tibet, marking the first recorded instance of brocade being used for Thangka framing. Therefore, it is believed that the origin of Thangka brocade can be attributed to Emperor Songtsen Gampo.

Why brocade as Thangka framing?

Symbolic meaning

Brocades are woven with rich patterns and colors, carrying symbolic and cultural attributes. These attributes align seamlessly with Thangka paintings, which also portray cultural and spiritual elements. To enhance the spiritual and cultural element, brocade was used as framing for the Thangka.

Protection and preservation

Framing Thangkas with brocade serves a dual purpose of providing protection and preservation. Also, brocade shields the edges of the Thangka, preventing wear and tear. This protective quality ensures that the brocade, and by extension, the Thangka, can be preserved for years and across generations

Traditional outlook

Using brocade as Thangka framing enhances the beauty of the artwork and provides an aesthetic and traditional feel to the art. Its traditional appeal allows people to easily connect with the rich history of Buddhism.

Evolution

The patterns, designs, and use of colors in brocade have evolved over time. Artists use unique styles and techniques to showcase their artistic skills while adhering to the core elements of tradition

Different regions have developed their unique styles for showcasing their art. Nowadays, the framing of Thangkas has become a canvas for artists to express their creativity based on regional artistic preferences.