13 Arts and Crafts of Bhutan for the Wandering Art Connoisseur

The attention to detail, extensive use of bright colors, choice of themes and symmetry of objects in Bhutanese art are known throughout the world. "Thunder Dragon Land" combines Indian, Chinese and Tibetan artistic traditions in its art forms.

Art has always remained an integral part of Bhutanese daily life because it represents inner and outer spirituality.

Bhutanese art forms

Each work of art connects them to something beyond themselves and enlightens them with a religious experience like no other. Art depicts deities, sacred animals, temples and other relevant images, and most art is used to decorate streets, houses, temples and other objects that Bhutanese encounter in their daily lives.

The practice is hereditary, but each artist's individual portrayal of symbolism and ideology makes the art unique.

Traditional Bhutanese arts

Since ancient times there have been 13 different arts and crafts practiced in Bhutan. They are called Zorig Chusum. All 13 arts are based on Buddhism and are believed to have been introduced by Pema Lingpa in the 15th century. Below we have listed all 13 arts in Bhutan.

1. Lhaso - Bhutanese mural paintings

Bhutanese paintings use unique natural pigments and mineral paints made from different colors of soil. This art form symbolizes people's interaction with nature, religion, and their beliefs.

The artists are usually known as Lha Rips, and they paint on canvases, walls, murals, wood, paper, stone and cloth. A unique Bhutanese painting of the phallus can be found on the wall of almost every rural home as part of their tradition. Chimi Lhakhang is known to be a popular place in Bhutan where you can find these rural houses.

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2. Jimzo - Sculptures

Jimzo is the practice of ancient clay molding, which began long before metal and bronze sculpture were introduced. These clay statues usually depict deities such as the Buddha, Guru Rinpoche, Zhabdrung, and other Buddhist motifs.

Clay molding in Bhutan is more of a male craft, usually found in temples, monasteries and dzongs, while pottery is more of a female craft used in daily life. You will find these delicate and beautiful clay statues in temples all over the country, but the tall statues at Paro Taktsang are a must visit in a special way.

3. Shingzo - wood carving

Wood carving and carpentry is one of Bhutan's unique art forms, part of its identity. The master carpenters known as Zo Chen and Zo Vo create flawless masterpieces, carving and constructing the most intricate wooden parts.

From the seventeenth century to the present day, Shingzo craft can be found in many dzongs, houses, palaces, bridges, temples, monasteries, institutes and even for columns and furniture inside the home. Their exquisite skills can be seen in wooden structures throughout the country. One such example of stately sculpture is the Punakha Dzong, built in 1637.

4. Parzo - Carving

Introduced in the 13th century by Tibetan Buddhists, parzo, which means "wood carving," is one of the most important art forms in Bhutan. There are many trees in the country, making wood, stone, slate, and paper popular materials used for carving.

Carvers usually carve deities, mantras, and other relevant cultural images, such as the wooden masks used at the Tsechu festival and the phalluses used on the doors and windows of rural Bhutanese homes.

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5. Deso - making paper

The art of making paper in Bhutan from the bark, fiber, and plants of the wolfberry and edgewort are known as Desop. The main paper makers, also called Desop, are responsible for the careful production of this beautiful paper that repels termites and insects.

All the sacred and religious writings in the monks' handwritten books were written in Dezo in traditional ink, sometimes even in gold. Handmade paper making is a very important part of Bhutanese tradition and culture. Today, Dezo paper products, such as postcards, are available at crafting sites or in many stores throughout Thimphu.

6. Dozo - Stone Work

The ancient stone craft, in which every structure is built of wood or stone, is called Dozo in Bhutan. Carpenters and stonemasons use their skills together and build dzongs, walls, stupas, buildings, houses, bridges, courtyards and temples out of stone. In addition, the artisans also make utensils for daily use at home.

The master mason is called Zope, and he is responsible for preparing the mortar, planning, building, and overseeing the construction process until the very end of the process. This craft can still be seen in homes throughout the country. One of the best examples of stone construction is Chorten Kora in Trasjanec.

7. Shagzo - Woodworking

Before the advent of popular ceramic, steel, brass or melamine ware, ancient Bhutanese used the woodworking process to make handmade containers. This Bhutanese art form is known as Shagzo, a combination of bowls (daps), cups (phobas), plates and other unique containers of various shapes, sizes and colors. Wood craftsmen are known as Shagzopa.

Many different types of wood are used, but the most exquisite and expensive type of wood is called kapa. The items are often sold at markets for a good price. Besides being a wonderful souvenir, these bowls are still used in many local restaurants to serve food.

8. Tagzo - Weaving

Made from cotton, silk and wool yarns, the garments come from textile weaving or tagzo, an old Bhutanese tradition created by rural women who needed an alternative source of income.

Different patterns and color combinations are used for each weave with special symbolism, the most spectacular of which is Kishuthara. The best professional weavers are known in the eastern and northeastern regions of Bhutan. You can find excellent examples of weaving in Khoma village and Adang village.

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9. Tskhemzo - Embroidery

The Bhutanese art of embroidery and applique is known as Tshemzo. This was originally practiced by monks, but now the craft is taught to girls in special art schools. The ancient art was mainly for religious and royal textiles, but today you can find it in clothing, traditional shoes, household items such as tablecloths and many other household items.

The intricate thehankas created by this embroidery are mostly used for the annual festival of Cetit in Thimphu, Paro or Punakha.

10. Lugzo - Casting

The art of bronze casting, called Lugzo, was introduced in Bhutan in the 17th century by artisans from Kathmandu who were invited by King Zhabdrung. Bronze is generally cast into containers, utensils, weapons, armor, statues, tools and jewelry, among other things. There are two different techniques: wax casting and sand casting.

In ancient times, religious statues were molded using the lost wax casting technique, while ritual objects were molded using the sand casting technique. Finishing, engraving, and decorating objects in both techniques are done by hand by skilled craftsmen who are proficient in drawing, molding, casting, carving, and polishing.

11. Tsarzo - Reed Weaving

Popular among locals in central and eastern Bhutan, bamboo and cane weaving is a major art form because of the vast number of bamboo groves that grow here. Reed weaving is traditionally used to make fences for fields or roofs for sheds, as well as to make plates, baskets, and containers.

They are not only used in Bhutanese homes, but are also sold in markets to tourists. Weavers cut, split, dry, and weave bamboo using the outer and inner layers of the plant, which are then turned into beautiful products.

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12. Garzo - Blacksmithing

Introduced in the fourteenth century by the Tibetan religious saint Thangtong Gyalpo, the art of blacksmithing in Bhutan is called Garzo. He came to Bhutan in search of the abundant iron ore present in the country.

This chief engineer built the iconic suspension bridge over Paro Chhu, visible on the way from Paro to Thimphu, one of eight suspension bridges in Bhutan. Today, blacksmiths build not only bridges but also agricultural tools, chains, knives, swords, daggers and armor.

13. Troeko - Metal Jewelry

The use of coral, turquoise, stone, and, most importantly, gold and silver, in the Bhutanese art of metal jewelry making is called Troeko. The craftsmen who make this jewelry are called Tro Ko Lopen and they make beautiful jewelry such as bracelets, earrings, necklaces, amulets, rings and brooches.

Not only that, they also create such stunning decorative objects as cups, vases, bowls, lamps and swords. Metal jewelry is considered part of the status symbol in the country, hence it is seen in almost every household, and it does not matter whether women wear it or it is used for everyday household chores.

Each of these arts and crafts has a deeply rooted historical and cultural value that contributes to the social and economic needs of the country. Zorig Chusum presents the skills of artisans and craftsmen from all over the country, which are widely recognized in the daily life of Bhutan.

Today, many institutes, including the Zorig Chusum National Institute, teach these various crafts to the younger generation, so that the spirit of tradition in this country will never die.