Silk brocading is a process of framing a Thangka in traditional Tibetan style. The frame is made of beautiful silk fabric having rich colors and patterns. Brocade can be added to any Thangka painting upon request. The diagram to the right (click the image for a larger view) shows the different components of a typical brocade frame.
The silk fabric protects the edges of the Thangka, and also makes it easier to hang. A thin silk cover protects the painting when rolled, and may be gathered up to display the painting when hung on the wall. It is generally thought that silk brocade renders a Thangka more attractive and more religious.
The technique of silk brocading was first developed around the 9th century AD as a way to protect paintings during transport across the treacherous Himalayan mountains. Nepalese artists, seeking to meet the exploding demand for Buddhist art in Tibet, developed Thangka techniques so that paintings could be easily rolled and carried in large numbers. Due to these clever techniques, Buddhists throughout the Himalayan region were able to obtain beautiful supports for their practice.
