Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more in our collection of thangka art on 1stDibs. Frequently made of
fabric,
paint and
brocade, every piece of thangka art was constructed with great care. Find 71 options for an antique or vintage item from our selection of thangka art now, or shop our selection of 20 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. Whether you’re looking for newer or older items, there are earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. A choice in our collection of thangka art is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in
modern styles are sought with frequency.
Traditional Asian paintings were often created on scrolls and folding screens. Artisans made screens that could be folded up or spread out by connecting several panels using hinges. Today, antique Asian folding screens and paintings are sophisticated decorative accents that can serve as makeshift partitions to ensure privacy.
The original folding screens were created by Chinese artists. The earliest record of screens comes from the 2nd century B.C., and surviving examples date back to the Ming dynasty. Chinese painting utilizes many of the same tools as calligraphy — these screens were crafted from wood with painted panels featuring striking art or calligraphy that told cultural stories or represented nature and life in the area.
The practice was introduced to Japan, where paintings for screens were made on paper and silk, in the 8th century. These paintings frequently feature subjects such as landscapes, animals, flowers and Buddhist religious themes. Along with screens for tea ceremonies and dance backgrounds, there were screens for use in Shinto and Buddhist temples.
In the 17th century, screens began to be imported to Europe where their popularity grew. Coco Chanel famously collected Coromandel folding screens.
Traditional Asian paintings can make a tasteful addition to any wall, and screens can be used as decoration or, in the case of larger iterations, as an aesthetic way to divide a large room. Browse the selection of antique Asian paintings and screens from a variety of styles and eras on 1stDibs.