Thang-ga （唐卡） is a special kind of painting.It was found only in Tibet，China.It started from the Tang dynasty（唐朝）.Thang-ga paintings show Tibetan people's lives.In recent years，Thang-ga paintings have caught the public's attention.At the same time，the Chinese government has also tried hard to protect the art.
    The colors of Thang-ga paintings look wonderful and special.Because of the special environment of Tibet and the excellent skills of artists，the paints（顏料） used in Thang-ga paintings are different from other paints.They were made from minerals like gold and silver，as well as some plants.The paints were made by hand and the beautiful colors could last （持續(xù)） for hundreds of years.
     However，with the development of technology，people now use cheaper and easily-made chemicals to make Thang-ga paints.The traditional paints used in Thang-ga paintings took a lot of work and they were made in many secret ways.Later people stopped making the paints and forgot about them.So the skills needed to make them were almost lost.The traditional Thang-ga paintings are difficult to find now.

（1）What is Thang-ga？

Thang-ga is a special kind of painting.

Thang-ga is a special kind of painting.

（2）What do Thang-ga paintings show？

Thang-ga paintings show Tibetan people's lives.

Thang-ga paintings show Tibetan people's lives.

（3）The reasons why the colors of Thang-ga paintings look wonderful and special？

The special environment of Tibet and the excellent skills of artists.

The special environment of Tibet and the excellent skills of artists.

（4）What's the material of making Thang-ga paintings？

Gold and silver，as well as some plants.

Gold and silver，as well as some plants.

（5）What's the situation（現(xiàn)狀） of Thang-ga paintings？

The traditional Thang-ga paintings are difficult to find now.

The traditional Thang-ga paintings are difficult to find now.