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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 styles in a characteristic
Bhutanese setting, Bhutanese art is mostly symbolic. 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 to teach 13 types of Bhutanese arts and crafts under the
instruction of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. Such promotion of traditional
Bhutanese art has been preserved 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.
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