Why gold is used in Thangkas

Gold marks light and value. Halos, robes and rays are picked out in gold so the eye finds what is holy first.

The gold is mineral, ground fine and painted on with great care. It goes on near the end, after the flat colours are done.

Not every part gets gold. The artist saves it for faces of light, holy clothing and lines of blessing. That restraint is what makes it shine.

Look for it in Amitabha’s Pure Land, where gold lines the tree, the robes and the palace roofs.