Ciren- Inheritor of Tibetan Incense Manufacturing Process in Nyemo County, Lhasa, Tibet

Ciren (次仁) is a distinguished Tibetan artisan and the National Inheritor of Intangible Cultural Heritage for the Tibetan Incense Manufacturing Process (藏香制作技艺). Born into a family with a long-standing tradition of incense crafting, Ciren has dedicated his life to preserving and innovating this ancient Tibetan art form. His contributions to the modernization and promotion of Tibetan incense techniques have had a significant impact on both local culture and economy.

Personal Background

  • Name: Ciren (次仁)

  • Ethnicity: Tibetan (藏族)

  • Birthdate: May 1956

  • Region: Nyemo County (尼木县), Lhasa (拉萨), Tibet

  • Recognition: National Representative Inheritor of Intangible Cultural Heritage for Tibetan Incense Manufacturing Process (藏香制作技艺)

Ciren’s family has been involved in Tibetan incense making for generations, and he has inherited and refined the traditional techniques of this ancient craft. His work involves creating incense using materials sourced from the Tibetan plateau, and the process itself is deeply rooted in Tibetan culture and spirituality.

Craft Heritage and Techniques

The art of Tibetan incense making is one of the “three treasures” (三绝) of Nyemo County (尼木县), and it was officially listed as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage (国家级非物质文化遗产) in 2008. Ciren, as the representative inheritor, has preserved the key steps in incense production, which include raw material selection, grinding and blending, and handcraft shaping. While some parts of the process have been mechanized, handcrafting remains essential, especially in the final stages of production.

Key Techniques:

  • Raw Material Selection: Using ingredients sourced from the Tibetan plateau.

  • Grinding and Blending: Hand-mixed to create the perfect fragrance.

  • Shaping: Handcrafted to maintain traditional methods.

Promotion and Collaboration

In 2020, Ciren collaborated with Tibetan youth singer Sanmuke (三木科) to develop a new Tibetan incense brand, which significantly boosted the visibility and influence of Tibetan incense in modern markets. This collaboration also involved providing technical guidance for the film “Mansang” (曼桑), where Ciren contributed to the preservation of incense-making techniques through the cinematic medium.

These collaborations represent a blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary media, aimed at engaging younger generations and raising awareness about Tibetan intangible cultural heritage through new media and the influence of public figures.

Social and Economic Impact

The Tibetan incense industry in Nyemo County (尼木县) reached a significant milestone in 2019, with an annual output value of 57 million RMB (约5700万元), directly creating jobs for 525 people. Ciren’s efforts in preserving and promoting Tibetan incense have had a positive social impact, contributing to local cultural development and poverty alleviation through the cultural sector.

His role in the incense brand development serves as an exemplary case of how traditional crafts can be successfully merged with modern marketing techniques, helping the craft gain recognition on a broader scale.

Key Contributions:

  • Job Creation: The incense industry provides employment opportunities to hundreds in the region.

  • Cultural Poverty Alleviation: Ciren’s work supports local communities by promoting cultural tourism and traditional crafts.

  • Youth Engagement: Through collaborations with influencers, Ciren has helped attract younger generations to traditional Tibetan culture.

Future Prospects

As of 2025, Ciren continues to be an active figure in the innovation and promotion of Tibetan incense-making techniques. His work, alongside collaborations with artists, filmmakers, and businesses, has played a crucial role in ensuring that Tibetan incense remains an integral part of Tibetan culture and a source of income for local communities.

Ciren’s dedication to preserving this ancient craft and modernizing its appeal ensures that Tibetan incense will continue to be celebrated not only as a spiritual product but also as a symbol of Tibetan cultural heritage. Through his ongoing efforts, he has ensured that this traditional art form will endure and thrive in the modern world.