Dunbar Raodan- Inheritor of Miantang Painting of Tangka Painting in Tibet

Dunbar Raodan (丹巴绕旦) was a prominent Tibetan Thangka artist and a key figure in the Mian Tang School of Thangka painting. Born in July 1941 in Qusum (曲松), Tibet, Dunbar dedicated his life to the preservation and development of traditional Tibetan art. He was honored as a representative inheritor of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2007 for his contribution to Tibetan Thangka (Mian Tang style). Dunbar was a professor and the head of the Tibetan Art Department at Tibet University (西藏大学), and he played an instrumental role in shaping Tibetan art education in Tibet.

Personal Information

  • Name: Dunbar Raodan (丹巴绕旦)

  • Ethnicity: Tibetan

  • Place of Birth: Qusum (曲松), Tibet

  • Date of Birth: July 1941

  • Date of Passing: August 29, 2022

  • Position: Professor, Head of Tibetan Art Department, Tibet University

Table of Contents

1. Biography and Early Life

Dunbar Raodan was born into a Tibetan artistic family in Qusum (曲松), Tibet. His artistic journey began at a young age, and in 1952, he started learning Thangka painting techniques under the guidance of his father. In 1956, he further honed his skills at Sera Monastery (色拉寺), studying under the famous monk Qiangba Awang (强巴阿旺). After three years, Dunbar Raodan left the monastery and pursued a different path, separating himself from religious life.

In 1959, he began working in Naqu (那曲), Tibet, contributing to the development of the region’s borax mines. From 1962 to 1979, he worked as a teacher at a vocational school in Shannan (山南), Tibet, before transitioning to the Gesar Institute at the then Tibet Normal University. In 1984, he officially joined Tibet University and later became the head of the Tibetan Art Department.

2. Major Achievements

Throughout his life, Dunbar Raodan made substantial contributions to the development of Tibetan art and Thangka painting. His key achievements include:

  • 1980: He contributed to the rescue and preservation of the Gesar Epic, a major Tibetan epic, by creating illustrations for various editions such as “The Battle of Menling” (门岭之战) and “The Battle of Songlin” (松林之战). His work on this project earned him several prestigious awards from the Ministry of Culture and other organizations.

  • 1984: Upon joining Tibet University, he authored the “Tibetan Painting Textbook – Practical Essence” (西藏绘画教材——实践精华).

  • 1985: His research on the Gesar Epic earned him national recognition, including an Advanced Individual Award from several institutions, including the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

  • 1987: He received the Zeng Xianzi National Higher Education Teacher Second Prize (曾宪梓全国高等师范院教师二等奖).

  • 1990: His “Earth” painting won a bronze medal at an exhibition in Japan, and his work was subsequently collected by international art institutions.

  • 1999: Dunbar Raodan’s work, “Arhat Aśvagosa” (十八罗汉之一阿氏罗尊者), won the International Honorary Gold Award at the Second Chinese Art Grand Prix (第二届华人艺术大奖赛).

  • 2000: He was honored as a National Advanced Worker by the State Council of China for his contributions to Tibetan art and culture.

3. Artistic Contributions and Honors

Dunbar Raodan’s artistic contributions spanned a wide array of fields, from Thangka painting to art education and cultural preservation. His honors include:

  • 1995: He received the “Zhumulangma Literary and Artistic Award” (珠穆朗玛文学艺术奖), the highest honor in Tibet’s literary and artistic circles.

  • 1998: Dunbar Raodan led a significant research project focused on the restoration and development of traditional Tibetan painting pigments. His findings were recognized as leading-edge by the Tibet Science and Technology Committee and earned him a national patent.

  • 2003: He co-authored the “Brief History of Tibetan Art” (西藏美术史略) and the “Tibetan-Chinese Art Dictionary” (汉藏藏汉美术词典), which became essential texts for students and scholars of Tibetan art.

4. Legacy and Influence

Dunbar Raodan’s influence on the Tibetan art scene is profound. As an artist and educator, he:

  • Played a key role in the preservation of Tibetan Thangka painting through his teachings, publications, and artistic works.

  • Pioneered the integration of modern education systems with traditional Tibetan artistic practices at Tibet University.

  • Established himself as a respected figure in Tibetan cultural preservation, earning recognition both in China and abroad.

His legacy lives on through his students and the continued growth of Tibetan painting as an academic discipline. Dunbar Raodan is remembered not only for his exceptional artistry but also for his deep commitment to the preservation and innovation of Tibetan cultural heritage.