Thangka is colorful painting axes which is been painted on silk or paper. A Thangka is a painted banner which is hung in a monastery or a family altar and carried by lamas in ceremonial processions. In Tibetan the word 'than' means flat and the suffix 'ka' stands for painting. The Thangka is thus a kind of painting done on flat surface but which can be rolled up when not required for display.

The content of most Thangka is mainly the images of Buddhas, deities, or reflection of life stories of eminent monks and folk customs.

On the basis of techniques involved and materials used thangkas can be grouped into several categories. Generally they are divided into two broad categories: those which are painted (called bris-than in Tibetan) and those which are made of silk either by weaving or with embroidery called (gos-than).

The painted thangkas are further divided into five categories:

Thangkas which have different colors in the background
Thangkas which have a gold background
Thangkas which have a red background
Thangkas painted on a black background
Thangkas whose outlines are printed on cotton support and then touched up with colors

The structure of Tibet Thangka is precise, balanced, plumpy and changeful. The painting methods are mainly bright color and line drawing. The types of Thangka are very multifarious. Except colorful drawing Thangka, there are also breded Thangka, pasted-embroidered Thangka, leather thread Thangka, appliqu Thangka, and pearl Thangka etc.