Tangka (a Tibetan word meaning "silk, satin or cloth painting scroll") have been in vogue in Tibet for centuries, but no one knows when and where they evolved. In Tibetan, "tang" means "unfolding" or "displaying". Tangka is created with the intention of showing the painting art to the public. This shows the importance of frescos, rock paintings and painting scrolls. Archaeologists who found pottery bearing patterns in the Karub Site dating back some 5,000 years came to the conclusion they were the embryo of the Tibetan painting art. The content of most Tangka is mainly the images of Buddha, or reflection of lift stories of eminent monks and folk customs. The structure of Tibet Tangka is precise, balanced, plumpy and changeful. The painting methods are mainly bright color and line drawing.

The types of Tangka are very multifarious. Except colorful drawing Tangka, there are also breaded Tangka, pasted-embroidered Tangka, leather thread Tangka, applique Tangka, and pearl Tangka., etc.