Bhutan Tourism

Bhutan’s artistic tradition has its roots in Buddhism with almost all representation in the arts running along the prevailing theme of struggle between good and evil. A rare blend of Tibetan, Indian and Chinese traditional styles in characteristic Bhutanese setting, Bhutanese art is mostly symbolic. Principally located in monastic centers, it is highly decorative and ornamental. The Buddhist nature of Bhutan’s artistic heritage may be traced to Pema Lingpa, the great 15th century terton (treasure discoverer) who was an accomplished painter, sculptor, xylographer and architect.

Bhutan’s artistic tradition has its roots in Buddhism with almost all representation in the arts running along the prevailing theme of struggle between good and evil. A rare blend of Tibetan, Indian and Chinese traditional styles in characteristic Bhutanese setting, Bhutanese art is mostly symbolic. Principally located in monastic centers, it is highly decorative and ornamental. The Buddhist nature of Bhutan’s artistic heritage may be traced to Pema Lingpa, the great 15th century terton (treasure discoverer) who was an accomplished painter, sculptor, xylographer and architect.

In 1680, Desi Tenzin Rabgye opened the school of Zorig chusum or thirteen types of Bhutanese arts and crafts under the instructions of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. Such promotion of traditional Bhutanese art has persevered through the centuries with continued patronage provided by the royal family, nobility and clergy. The common people who depend on the artisans for a wide variety of metal and wooden objects, indispensable to typical Bhutanese households, provide active support to the arts. The thirteen arts of Zorig Chusum are:
Lhazo (painting)
Shingzo (carpentry)
Parzo (carvings)
Jinzo (sculpture)
Lugzo (casting)
Garzo blacksmith)
Tsharzo (bamboo works)
Serzo ngulzo (goldsmithing and silversmithing)
Thagzo (weaving)
Tshemzo (embroidery)
Dozo (masonry) Kozo (leatherworks)
Dezo (paper work)

Traditional Bhutanese art is distinctive for its religious flavour and anonymity. The artist is often a religious man who creates the work commissioned by the jinda or patron. It is considered a pious act that gains merit for both patron and artist. Though the artist’s name is almost never revealed, the name of the jinda is sometimes mentioned on the work so that his pious act may be remembered.

Paintings and sculptures are made by groups of artists working in special workshops executed by monks or laymen. The basic preliminary work is done by the disciples after which the master carries out the finishing touch of fine details.

Traditional Bhutanese artists work to make a work of faith. They are bound by the very strict iconographic conventions in Bhutanese art and must observe them meticulously. Artists can, however, express their own personality in minor details or scenes.

Over the years, the development of tourism and establishment of a government school for arts and crafts has brought about a change in the purpose of art, especially for the younger generation. For some, the desire to make a living out of art has taken over religious motivation.

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Bhutan Tourism