Drikung Embroidery Tangka Painting in Maizhokunggar County, Lhasa

Drikung Embroidery Tangka (墨竹工卡直孔刺绣唐卡) is a traditional form of Tibetan Tangka painting that originates from Maizhokunggar County (墨竹工卡县), located in the Tibet Autonomous Region (西藏自治区). This particular style of Tangka painting is recognized as a national-level Intangible Cultural Heritage of China, celebrated for its exquisite embroidery technique and intricate needlework that adds texture and dimension to the artwork.

Key Information

  • Heritage Name: Drikung Embroidery Tangka (墨竹工卡直孔刺绣唐卡)

  • Approval Date: June 7, 2008

  • Heritage Level: National

  • Heritage Category: Traditional Art

  • Heritage ID: VII-14

  • Region: Maizhokunggar County, Tibet Autonomous Region

  • Protection Authority: Maizhokunggar County Cultural and Tourism Bureau (墨竹工卡县文化和旅游局)

Historical Origins

The origins of Drikung Embroidery Tangka trace back to the 35th generation of the Drikung Kagyu school (直孔噶举派), beginning in 1880 under the guidance of Chi Lie Duoji (赤列多吉). Initially passed down within a family lineage, this style of Tangka embroidery evolved over several generations, with each passing era refining and perfecting the techniques involved.

This Tangka tradition is distinct for its embroidery technique, where every element, from the vibrant colors to the intricate figures, is meticulously sewn rather than painted. This unique method results in a three-dimensional and textured appearance that gives the art a vivid life-like quality. Over time, the techniques of this art form became increasingly refined, leading to the production of Tangka pieces with heightened realism and sensory depth.

Cultural Characteristics

Artistic Fusion: Painting and Embroidery

The Drikung Embroidery Tangka (墨竹工卡直孔刺绣唐卡) is a striking fusion of painting and embroidery, where needlework and colorful threads replace traditional brushstrokes. This embroidery is done entirely by hand, adding textural relief and depth to the flat canvas, creating a three-dimensional appearance that brings the figures to life.

  • Figures in the artwork, including deities and Buddhas, are depicted in a realistic, almost tangible manner, with well-defined facial features and postures.

  • The overall composition is both balanced and dynamic, blending traditional Tibetan motifs with rich, bold color contrasts and intricate details.

Creation Process

The creation of Drikung Embroidery Tangka is a meticulous process that involves multiple stages:

  1. Designing the Layout: The first step is to design the Tangka, where the composition is sketched, and the placement of figures is carefully considered.

  2. Embroidery: Unlike traditional Tangka, which uses paint, the entire piece is embroidered. The technique involves using silk thread and horsehair to stitch the designs, with some larger Tangkas requiring five or six strands of horsehair twisted together to help secure the design.

  3. Stitching and Detailing: Fine silk threads are used to stitch the details, creating rich textures. For large Tangkas, a mixture of cow and sheep fat is applied to the threads to enhance their adhesiveness, allowing the fabric to hold its shape and maintain clarity.

  4. Finishing: Once the embroidery is complete, the final steps include adding additional details to enhance the depth and texture, ensuring that the figures and symbols are as life-like as possible.

Tools and Materials

  • The embroidery requires high-quality silk threads, and large Tangkas are often stitched using horsehair for added texture.

  • Colorful fabrics are wrapped around the silk threads, with stitching done directly onto these fabrics.

  • The Tangka is made by first drawing the image and then embroidering each element based on the sketch.

Subject Matter of Drikung Embroidery Tangka

The themes of Drikung Embroidery Tangka cover a wide array of Tibetan religious and cultural topics, including:

  • Buddhas and Bodhisattvas (such as Guanyin (观音) and Green Tara (绿度母))

  • Historical figures from Tibetan culture, including military leaders and spiritual teachers.

  • Mythological and cosmological scenes, such as mandalas, the cosmic wheel of life, Shambhala, and images of Mount Meru (须弥山).

  • Buddhist teachings, including stories from the life of the Buddha and sutras.

Notable Works

  • Guanyin (观音)

  • Green Tara (绿度母)

  • Milarepa (米拉热巴)

These works serve as both religious artifacts and cultural treasures, illustrating significant Buddhist figures and stories that have shaped the Tibetan worldview.

Inheritance and Protection

Cultural and Historical Significance

The Drikung Embroidery Tangka represents a unique form of Tibetan cultural expression that reflects the society, religion, history, and customs of the late 19th century in Tibet. It has become an important tool for understanding the Drikung (直孔) culture and Tibetan Buddhist art.

Current Inheritance Status

The craft requires precise planning and the ability to execute complicated embroidery patterns, making it a difficult and time-consuming process. As a result, few artisans are proficient in this technique, and the tradition is at risk of being lost. The complexity of the craft, coupled with the low number of skilled practitioners, has led to a declining transmission of the craft.

Notable Inheritors

  • Mima Ciren (米玛次仁), a prominent representative inheritor of this heritage, has been instrumental in keeping the tradition alive.

Protection Measures

In 2019, the Maizhokunggar County Cultural and Tourism Bureau (墨竹工卡县文化和旅游局) was designated as the official protector of this art form. As of October 2023, the Drikung Embroidery Tangka has been successfully preserved and continues to be evaluated for future conservation efforts.

Social Influence

Key Exhibitions

  • July 2, 2013: The “Drikung Kagyu Golden Tangka” was exhibited in Maizhokunggar County (墨竹工卡县).

  • May 15, 2014: The “Fingertip Charm” Tibetan Embroidery Exhibition took place in Lhasa, featuring Drikung Embroidery Tangka works.

  • July 15, 2019: The Maizhokunggar County Oilseed Rape Culture and Tourism Festival featured a display of Drikung Embroidery Tangka art.

Cultural Events

  • May 11, 2016: National Intangible Cultural Heritage Inheritors showcased Drikung Embroidery Tangka at the Yuyuan Garden in Nanjing.

  • November 8, 2019: A cultural performance in Nanjing highlighted Drikung Embroidery Tangka as part of the “Mystical Maizhokunggar” intangible cultural heritage showcase.

These efforts have contributed to raising awareness of Drikung Embroidery Tangka not only in Tibet but also across China, ensuring the continued preservation and development of this exceptional art form.