Bianduo- Inheritor of Tibetan Bangdian Handicraft Art in Shigatse, Tibet

Bianduo (边多) is a renowned Tibetan craftsman and the representative inheritor of Tibetan Bangdian (藏族邦典) and Kadian Weaving Techniques (卡垫织造技艺), a traditional art form from Shigatse (日喀则), Tibet. He has dedicated his life to the preservation and advancement of these intricate Tibetan weaving traditions, which have been passed down through generations.

Personal Information

  • Name: Bianduo (边多)

  • Ethnicity: Tibetan (藏族)

  • Birth Date: February 1950

  • Place of Birth: Jiangzi County (江孜县), Tibet Autonomous Region (西藏自治区)

  • Project Number: III-88

  • Project Name: Tibetan Bangdian (藏族邦典) and Kadian Weaving Techniques (卡垫织造技艺)

  • Heritage Category: Traditional Handicraft (传统手工艺)

Background and Career

Born in Jiangzi County (江孜县) of Tibet, Bianduo began his journey into the world of traditional Tibetan weaving at the age of 17, learning the techniques of weaving Kadian carpets (卡垫) under the mentorship of local artisans. Over the past five decades, he has gained unparalleled expertise in the craft, making significant contributions to the preservation and development of this traditional art.

Key Contributions and Work Experience

  • Jiangzi Carpet Factory: Bianduo spent much of his career working at the Jiangzi Carpet Factory (江孜地毯厂), where he held several roles, including Technical Director, Design Planner, and Factory Director. During this time, he contributed to the creation of some of the most iconic Tibetan carpets, known for their intricate designs and cultural significance.

  • Innovative Designs: Drawing inspiration from traditional Tibetan carpet patterns, Bianduo incorporated modern aesthetic elements to design tapestries that are both timeless and innovative. Notable works include tapestries depicting the Potala Palace (布达拉宫), the Great Wall of China (万里长城), and the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge (南京长江大桥). His tapestry of Shakyamuni (释迦牟尼) won the 7th place in the 1997 National Minority Handicraft Products Competition (全国少数民族手工业产品比赛).

Tibetan Bangdian: The Symbolic Apron

  • Cultural Significance: The Bangdian (邦典), a traditional Tibetan woven apron, is an essential item in Tibetan daily life. It serves as a protective garment, primarily used for warmth and decoration. Originating from Gongga County (贡嘎县), the town of Jiedexiu (杰德秀镇) is renowned as the “Home of Bangdian” due to its long-standing tradition of producing these woven aprons.

  • Traditional Craftsmanship: The Bangdian is often crafted from wool, and its designs are deeply symbolic, representing the cultural identity and values of the Tibetan people. The weaving process is intricate, requiring not only technical skill but also an understanding of the cultural heritage associated with the craft.

Heritage Recognition and Legacy

In 2006, Tibetan Bangdian (藏族邦典) and Kadian Weaving Techniques (卡垫织造技艺) were officially recognized as National Intangible Cultural Heritage by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, ensuring that this ancient craft will be preserved for future generations.

Teaching and Mentorship

Bianduo has also dedicated part of his life to teaching younger generations the art of Tibetan weaving, mentoring a number of apprentices who will carry forward these precious traditions. His dedication to passing down his knowledge has ensured the continued relevance and growth of these ancient crafts.

Preserving Cultural Heritage

Through his work and leadership, Bianduo has helped raise awareness about the importance of preserving Tibetan handicrafts. As a representative inheritor of Tibetan Bangdian and Kadian Weaving Techniques, he continues to inspire others to appreciate and uphold the rich cultural heritage of Tibet.