National Museum’s new exhibition of Tibetan art

A selection of 65 thangka paintings is on display at China's National Museum.

Thangka, or Tibetan painting on silk, has been in vogue in and outside Tibet for centuries. Now, a selection of 65 thangka paintings is on display at China's National Museum, and they're all from one outstanding painter, Niangben, an heir to this national intangible cultural heritage.

Thangka is a traditional Tibetan painting style that incorporates silk embroidery on a scroll, and usually depicts a buddha, landscapes and religious activities. Thangka became popular among travelling monks, as the scrolls were easily rolled and transported between monasteries. The thangka served as important teaching tools depicting the life of buddha.

"It's probably the most delicate painting I've seen in years. It's all about the details. "

Besides displaying beautiful work, thangka masters are required to paint on the spot and demonstrate their skills. Many young painting apprentices have come to the exhibition as well, getting a look from a more professional perspective.

"The most difficult part is sketching the face of the buddha. Once you draw the outline, you can't make a change by covering it up with colours, like the rest of the body. It took me 6 years to learn how to sketch it right."

Thangka is one of China's earliest ethnic art forms promoted and protected on the global scale. It has been recognized as one of China's national intangible cultural heritages since 2006, and was added to UNESCO's intangible heritage list in 2009.

"The painting skills have evolved in the past centuries, as well as the aesthetics. Many popular thangka works, such as this one, present a generally modern style; the brush work is a bit influenced by western painting skills too. But all the details suggest that it's authentic Tibetan." said Niangben, Thangka Painter.

The exhibition will last until May the 13th, welcoming art enthusiasts and tourists to experience the spiritual charm of Thangka.