NEW WORK

If you’re considering a custom Thangka pendant commission, you’re buying more than jewelry — you’re commissioning a tiny work of art with cultural meaning and hours of artisan labor. This guide walks you through the commissioning process from initial idea to finished pendant, explains realistic timelines and price bands.

Why commission a bespoke Thangka pendant?

A bespoke Thangka pendant lets you personalize iconography, color palette, materials, and scale so the piece fits your intention and daily life. Collectors and spiritual practitioners often commission pieces when they want a guardian image tailored to a birth year, a personal vow, or a specific ritual practice. For gift-givers, a custom pendant can be a meaningful heirloom.

Step 1 — Idea & reference phase (1–2 weeks)

Start with a clear brief. Good briefs speed up the process.

What to provide:

• A short statement of intent: why you want the pendant (protection, clarity, gift).

• Reference images: Thangka examples you like, color swatches, metal finishes, and chain styles. (Screenshots, Pinterest boards, or a 3–4 image “moodboard” work well.)

• Size preference: common pendant diameters range from 18–35 mm for everyday wear.

• Any iconographic requests: specific buddha, bodhisattva, mantra, or symbolic motifs.

Tip: If you don’t have specific iconography in mind, ask the artist for recommended pairings (e.g., Manjushri for speech/learning, Vajrapani for strength). This first step usually takes a few email exchanges.

Step 2 — Sketch & design approval (1–2 weeks)

The artist develops a small-format sketch indicating composition, color notes, and bezel style.

Deliverables:

• Black-and-white line sketch for proportion and iconography.

• A color mock-up or palette sample (digital or photographed pigment chips).

• Metal/bezel suggestions (sterling silver, gold-filled, brass, mixed metal) and chain length options.

You review and request up to 1–2 rounds of revisions. Once you approve the sketch, the project moves to painting.

Step 3 — Miniature painting & gilding (2–6 weeks)

Hand-painting a Thangka at pendant scale is meticulous work. Time varies by level of detail and technique (traditional mineral pigments and gold leaf take longer).

What happens:

• Artist prepares the tiny support (board or primed textile) and completes fine linework.

• Color is applied in controlled layers; gilding (if requested) is added next.

• The piece may receive a protective backing and bezel mounting.

Expect 2–6 weeks for this phase on most commissions; very detailed iconography or multi-layer gilding can extend lead time.

Step 4 — Setting, finishing & quality checks (1–2 weeks)

After painting, the painted insert is set into the chosen bezel, sealed if appropriate, and polished. Final checks include:

• Edge inspection (no gaps, secure bezel)

• Surface inspection for dust or pigment loss

• Photographs for your approval

If the pendant requires special protective sealing (thin lacquer) for daily-wear durability, the seller will disclose that and explain implications for conservation.

Typical timeline summary (total)

• Express/simple commission: 4–6 weeks

• Standard bespoke: 6–10 weeks

• Highly detailed / premium work: 10–16 weeks

Always confirm lead time with the artisan before you pay a deposit; popular artists may have waiting lists.

Pricing bands (USD guidance)

Costs vary widely by materials, artist reputation, and technique. Here are typical ranges to help you plan:

• Entry / Printed or simple painted insert + silver-plated bezel: $120–$350

• Mid-range / Hand-painted miniature + sterling silver bezel: $350–$1,200

• Premium / Master-artist hand-painted + solid precious metal or gem-accented bezel: $1,200–$4,500+

Factors that raise price: authentic mineral pigments, gold leaf/gilding, solid precious-metal settings, engraved personalization, and expedited timelines.

Payment milestones & refund policy

A typical structure:

1. Deposit (50–70%) to secure booking and purchase materials. Non-refundable for work already begun, unless otherwise agreed.

2. Midway payment (20–40%) on design/sketch approval or at a defined painting milestone.

3. Final payment (remaining balance) due on completion and before shipping.

Refunds: many artisans offer partial refunds if a commission is canceled before painting begins (minus materials and labor). After painting begins, refunds are usually limited because the work is custom.

Practical tips for a smooth commission

• Be decisive on references. Clear moodboards speed approvals.

• Respect artisan time. Allow reasonable lead times and avoid frequent last-minute change requests.

• Ask about care. If the pendant uses traditional pigments, request a care card (avoid water; recommended storage).

• Consider a small trial. If you’re commissioning a costly, first-time artisan, start with a lower-cost test piece or bead painting to build trust.

How Mabge can help

At Mabge, we offer a streamlined custom Thangka pendant commission service: a clear request form, artist matching, staged approvals, and a care & authenticity kit included with every finished piece. Contact our commission team to start your project and receive a tailored quote and expected timeline.

FAQ

Q: Can I request a rush order?
A: Possibly, for an added fee. Rush work depends on artist availability and may alter the finish (some processes need drying time).

Q: Will the pendant be wearable every day?
A: Many commissions are made for daily wear, but if traditional mineral pigments are used, the maker may advise occasional rather than constant exposure to water and sunlight.

Q: Do I own the design after purchase?
A: Usually you own the physical pendant; intellectual property rights typically remain with the artisan unless explicitly transferred in writing.