Tibetan crafts entice city shoppers

"The intangible cultural skills of Rangtang are cultural codes carved by the hands of artisans. From the precision of thangka paintings to the intricate patterns of handweaving, from the grandeur of stone carving to the sacred movements of Tibetan opera, each tradition embodies the collective memory and spiritual devotion of Rangtang's people," Ngawang says.

The ongoing exhibition showcases a carefully curated selection of cultural innovations, with everyday objects transformed into carriers of tradition, such as elegant accessories glowing with thangka-inspired pigments, and stylish bags woven with reinvented Tibetan motifs.

"Through these cultural creations, we hope to share Rangtang's heritage and invite the world to experience the beauty of intangible cultural craftsmanship," he says.

Apart from the tsatsa, fellow exhibitor Tsering Gyel's fusion of traditional Tibetan thangka painting with the art of ceramic has also caught visitors' attention.

The man in his 30s has painted representations of two prominent Buddhist figures on ceramic plates, both depicted in the soft hues of pastel colors.

"In every stroke, I seek to honor the essence of what these figures represent — wisdom, compassion and purity," Tsering Gyel says.

In a bold departure from tradition, he has combined the time-honored techniques of thangka painting with the elegance of porcelain, an idea he began to explore about five years ago.