Buddhism Art
In the 5th
or 6th century B.C.E, Buddhism art derived from India subcontinent.
Art was influenced by the Buddhism practice and origins. Paintings included the
stories of the Buddha’s life and his awakening. Art came in different forms which
lead to the creations of the Burmese lacquer ware and Thangka painting.
Burmese Lancque Burmese lacquer-ware is considered one of the greatest art creations of the people of Mayanmar. It dates back as far as 3,000 years. Like plastic, it is flexible, molded without difficulty, and can last for a long period of time. These beautiful long lasting arts also known as Yun. Lacquer is created from Melanorrhoea Ustitata tree sap which is originally the color black, but with other ingredients, the colors can be altered. In order for something to be lacquered, the object first must be build with wood or bamboo which can vary, depending how light or heavy they want the object to be. The most flexible and lightest lacquers are created from horse hair and bamboo strips. Lacquering is very long process that requires patience and careful hands. The Process of Lacquering: Using Bamboo Step 1: Dried bamboo is sliced into strips Step 2: Strips are woven to desired shape Step 3: Lacquer is mixed with clay Step 4: Shape is coated by the Lacquer and clay mixture Step 5: For three to ten days, the object is placed in a specific cellar to dry Step 6: Dried object is polished with pumice rock in the form of powder/dust. Step 7: Another layer is added Step 8: Object is placed in the cellular to dry again Step 9: Step 6-8 is repeated until object is completely smooth Step 10: Final decorations Thangka Paintings The Thangka paintings are very important in Buddhism religion, unlike other paintings, the thangkas are done on cotton or silk clothing. Thangkas take a long process, they are created in a particular way so they will last for a long period of time, details in the arts are said to remain intact as well, as long as the thangka paintings are in a safe and dry area. The clothing is sewed and tied tightly to a bamboo frame. Depending on the current environment, preparation of the canvas can take days. A mixture of clay, water, and glue are applied to the canvas evenly and then again when dried. After, water is placed to soften the canvas, allowing the artist to rub it with a marble to give it a smooth feeling. Once the canvas is dried, the process is repeated. Before the artist can sketch, they must shower, take sacred vows, meditate, and perform rituals to ensure no bad spirits are present. After sketching, creating the paint is next which takes a numerous amount of days. Materials include: minerals, precious stones, bark, leaves, gold, silver, and copper. After the materials are collected, they are cleansed, crushed, or cooked. Collecting and using natural items to make paint is a tradition that continues today. Brushes are also created and vary in material depending on the painter, whether they wanted some rough or smooth such as horse hair and Nama grass. After the artist then paints and retouches there piece. Thangka paintings are painted to express the “fully awakened form of enlightenment.” Thangka’s artists require expertise in measurements and proportions to create each deity. Monks and followers use these paintings to tell the stories of the Buddha and as a guidance in their religion. Work Cited
"Enderle Travelblog." : Lacquerware of Bagan.
Web. 03 Mar. 2015
"Thangka Or Thanka Painting Process Or Method or Steps." Thangka Or Thanka Painting Process Or Method Or Steps. Web. 03 Mar. 2015. "Thangka Paintings." Thangka Paintings and the Interesting Story behind Them. Web. 06 Mar. 2015. "Buddhist Art: Tibetan Thangka Paintings." Buddhist Art: Tibetan Thangka Paintings. Web. 03 Mar. 2015. "Drawing Buddha | Ann Arbor Art Center." Drawing Buddha | Ann Arbor Art Center. Web. 06 Mar. 2015. |