Bhutanese Art - Traditional Bhutanese Arts

Traditional Bhutanese Arts

In Bhutan, the traditional arts are known as zorig chusum (zo = the ability to make; rig = science or craft; chusum = thirteen). These practices have been gradually developed through the centuries, often passed down through families with long-standing relations to a particular craft. These traditional crafts represent hundreds of years of knowledge and ability that has been passed down through generations.

The great 15th century treasure finder (tertön), Pema Lingpa is traditionally credited with introducing the arts into Bhutan. In 1680, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal ordered the establishment of the school for instruction in the 13 traditional arts. Although the skills existed much earlier, it is believed that the zorig chusum was first formally categorized during the rule of Tenzin Rabgye (1680-1694), the 4th Druk Desi (secular ruler). The thirteen traditional arts are:

• Dezo - Paper Making: Handmade paper made mainly from the Daphne plant and gum from a creeper root.
• Dozo - Stonework: Stone arts used in the construction of stone pools and the outer walls of dzongs, goenpa (monasteries), stupas, and some other buildings.
• Garzo - Blacksmithing: The manufacture of iron goods, such as farm tools, knives, swords, and utensils.
• Jinzo - Clay arts: The making of religious statues and ritual objects, pottery and the construction of buildings using mortar, plaster, and rammed earth.
• Lhazo - Painting: From the images on thangkas (religious wall hangings), walls paintings, and statues to the decorations on furniture and window-frames.
• Lugzo - Bronze casting: Production of bronze roof-crests, statues, bells, and ritual instruments, in addition to jewelry and household items using sand casting and lost-wax casting. Larger statues are made by repoussé.
• Parzo - Wood, slate, and stone carving: In wood, slate or stone, for making such items as printing blocks for religious texts, masks, furniture, altars, and the slate images adorning many shrines and altars.
• Shagzo - Woodturning: Making a variety of bowls, plates, cups, and other containers.
• Shingzo - Woodworking: Employed in the construction of dzongs and goenpa (monasteries)
• Thagzo - Weaving: The production of some of the most intricately woven fabrics produced in Asia.
• Trözo - Silver and Goldsmithing: Working in gold, silver, and copper to make jewelry, ritual objects, and utilitarian household items.
• Tshazo - Cane and Bamboo Work: The production of such varied items as bows and arrows, baskets, drinks containers, utensils, musical instruments, fences, and mats.
• Tshemazo – Needlework: Working with needle and thread to make clothes, boots, or the most intricate of appliqué thangkas (religious wall hangings).