It is challenging to determine the exact order of expensiveness for materials used in creating premium quality Thangkas, as the prices of these materials can fluctuate over time and depend on various factors such as quality, rarity, and market demand. However, below is a list of 20 expensive materials commonly used in high-quality Thangka paintings:
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Gold: 24-carat gold is frequently used in Thangkas for intricate details and highlighting essential elements.
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Sterling Silver: This precious metal is sometimes used for detailing and embellishments.
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Lapis Lazuli: This deep blue semi-precious stone, prized for its intense colour, has been used as a pigment in Thangka paintings.
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Coral: Red coral, a valuable and rare organic gemstone, is used as a pigment and decorative element in Thangkas.
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Pearl: Crushed pearls add a luxurious, iridescent sheen to the artwork as a pigment.
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Cinnabar: This mineral, which produces a vibrant red pigment, is highly valued for its rich hue and has been used in traditional Thangka paintings.
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Azurite: A deep blue copper mineral, azurite creates vivid shades of blue as a pigment.
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Malachite: This green copper carbonate mineral produces beautiful shades of green in Thangkas.
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Sulfur: Sulfur has been used in traditional Thangka painting to create bright yellow pigments.
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Orpiment: This yellow arsenic sulfide mineral is another source of vibrant yellow pigments in Thangkas.
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Realgar: An orange-red arsenic sulfide mineral used as a pigment in Thangka paintings.
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Indigo: A natural dye derived from the Indigofera plant, used to create deep blue shades.
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Vermilion: A bright red or scarlet pigment traditionally derived from the mineral cinnabar.
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Gamboge: A deep yellow pigment derived from the resin of the Garcinia tree, used for its vibrant colour.
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Ultramarine: A deep blue pigment derived from the mineral lapis lazuli, valued for its brilliant hue.
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Turquoise: A blue-green copper mineral used as a pigment and decorative element in Thangkas.
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Garnet: A group of silicate minerals used as a pigment in Thangka paintings for their deep red colour.
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Nephrite Jade: A green mineral used as a pigment in Thangka paintings for its rich green shades.
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Amethyst: A purple quartz mineral used as a pigment for its beautiful violet hues.
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Chrysocolla: A green-blue copper mineral used as a pigment in Thangka paintings for its unique colour.
