An outer view of the Xizang Thangka Painting Institute in Lhasa, capital of the Xizang autonomous region. [Photo by Palden Nyima/chinadaily.com.cn]

The Xizang Thangka Painting Institute is working to preserve the Tibetan thangka art and training more artists in the new era.

Since its establishment in 2021 in Lhasa, Xizang autonomous region, the institute has combined teaching, exhibitions and research to make the ancient art shine.

Konchok Kyab, vice-dean of the institute and a thangka master, said the institute now holds a national-level intangible culture heritage item: the Mansar School of Tibetan thangka art.

It also holds two region-level intangible culture heritage items — traditional Tibetan brush-making and mural-painting techniques, he said.

"Thangka paintings, known for their religious, historical, medical and natural themes, require painters to have a deep understanding of measurements and a mastery of body proportions," he said, adding that the rigorous process involved in creating a thangka includes sketching, coloring, outlining, applying gold, detailing facial features and refining intricate details to bring the artwork to life.

Students learn thangka painting at the Xizang Thangka Painting Institute in Lhasa, capital of the Xizang autonomous region. [Photo by Palden Nyima/chinadaily.com.cn]

Training more thangka artists is the central mission of the institute, and it offers comprehensive study programs ranging from beginner to advanced levels. Students dedicate themselves to honing their craft through daily practice.

Karlog, a thangka painting student at the institute for two and a half years, said he majored in thangka in college and after graduation continued to learn the art at the institute.

"The masters are kind to us, and the institute provides free meals and accommodations," he said. "I want to continue to study for six years. My dream is to become a successful thangka master, and I want to make my own contribution to help the ancient art prosper."

Students learn thangka painting at the Xizang Thangka Painting Institute in Lhasa, capital of the Xizang autonomous region. [Photo by Palden Nyima/chinadaily.com.cn]

Students learn thangka painting at the Xizang Thangka Painting Institute in Lhasa, capital of the Xizang autonomous region. [Photo by Palden Nyima/chinadaily.com.cn]

Students learn thangka painting at the Xizang Thangka Painting Institute in Lhasa, capital of the Xizang autonomous region. [Photo by Palden Nyima/chinadaily.com.cn]