How to Hang and Care for Your Thangka

Your thangka will arrive rolled in a protective tube. With a little care it will keep its colour and gold for generations. Here is how to unpack it, display it and look after it.

Unrolling your painting

Let the tube rest at room temperature for a few hours, especially if it has travelled through cold weather. Unroll the painting slowly on a clean, flat surface with the painted side facing up. Place a few light, soft weights on the corners and leave it flat for a day so it relaxes.

Three ways to display it

Traditional brocade mount

The classic way to hang a thangka is in a silk brocade frame with wooden rods at the top and bottom and a thin cover cloth. It is light, beautiful and can be rolled up for travel. We can mount your painting in brocade before shipping; just ask us in the chat.

Stretched and framed

For a gallery look, a framer can stretch the canvas over a board and frame it behind glass. Ask for acid-free materials and UV-protective glass.

Simple hanging

Mandalas and smaller paintings can also be hung with discreet clips or a simple wooden hanger, which suits modern interiors.

Everyday care

• Keep it out of direct sunlight, which fades mineral pigments over time.
• Avoid damp walls, bathrooms and spots directly above heaters or fireplaces.
• Never fold the painting. If you need to store it, roll it loosely with the painted side outwards around a wide tube and wrap it in acid-free paper.
• Do not touch the painted surface or gold with bare fingers. Dust gently with a very soft, dry brush.

Where to hang it

Traditionally a thangka is hung at or above eye level, in a calm place such as a meditation corner, a study or a living room. Many people like to face it when they sit down, so it becomes part of their daily routine.