Manufacturing Process Technology of Mineral and Plant Pigment in Tibet

The Manufacturing Process Technology of Mineral and Plant Pigments in Tibet (藏族矿植物颜料制作技艺) is a traditional Tibetan technique used in the creation of mineral and plant-based pigments, integral to the production of Thangka (唐卡), a form of Tibetan Buddhist painting. These pigments are derived from natural minerals and plants native to the Tibetan Plateau and have been used for centuries to produce vibrant, long-lasting colors in Tibetan artwork. This process is not only vital to Tibetan art but also plays a key role in Tibetan traditional medicine, where certain pigments have healing properties. The technology was added to the National Intangible Cultural Heritage List on May 23, 2011.

Historical Origins

The tradition of using mineral pigments dates back to the Paleolithic era, with the earliest examples of pigment use for cave paintings found in ancient China. In Tibetan culture, these pigments are essential for painting Thangka (唐卡), which initially depicted images of the Buddha to honor him and facilitate mobile worship. Over time, Thangka painting expanded to include depictions of various Bodhisattvas, protectors, and other divine figures, evolving into elaborate representations of the Three Realms of Reincarnation (轮回三界图) and Western Paradise (西方极乐世界图).

The Thangka (唐卡) paintings from Tibetan art (藏族艺术) are known for their vivid and rich colors, with Thangka artists from Tibetan regions such as Rebgong (热贡) using natural mineral pigments to create the artwork. The pigments include minerals such as red ochre, sulfur, cinnabar, lapis lazuli, and various plant-based colors extracted from rare Tibetan plants, which are processed through a complex method to produce the final vibrant hues.

Materials and Sources

The pigments used in Tibetan art are sourced from the Tibetan Plateau (青藏高原) and include both minerals and plants. Mineral pigments come from naturally occurring stones, while plant-based pigments are made from flowers, leaves, and roots native to the region. Some of the commonly used minerals include:

  • White clay (白土)

  • Red clay (红土)

  • Cinnabar (朱砂)

  • Lapis lazuli (蓝靛石)

  • Mercury (水银)

  • Sulfur (硫磺)

  • Iron ore (铁砂)

  • Copper ore (紫铜矿石)

  • Gold (金)

  • Silver (银)

Plant pigments are sourced from rare Tibetan plants, including:

  • Wild chrysanthemums (野菊花)

  • Green velvet (绿绒蒿)

  • Mountain knotweed (高山蓼)

  • Cherry fruit (樱桃果)

  • Saffron (藏红花)

  • Dragon bone (龙骨)

These natural ingredients are extracted, refined, and processed through various methods to create the final pigment. The process is lengthy, requiring multiple stages of preparation and ritual chanting to enhance the spiritual power of the pigments. This meticulous process ensures that the colors used in Thangka paintings remain vibrant for centuries.

The Manufacturing Process

The pigment manufacturing process involves several steps, each designed to extract the color from minerals and plants while preserving their properties. The steps are as follows:

1. Preparation of Mineral Pigments

Mineral pigments are first mined from the mountains of Tibet and then cleaned to remove impurities. The raw minerals are crushed into a fine powder before being refined further.

2. Extraction of Plant Pigments

For plant pigments, various flowers, herbs, and tree parts are gathered, dried, and ground into powder. These plant materials are then combined with other natural substances to create vibrant pigments.

3. Refining and Processing

The raw pigment materials are refined through several stages, including grinding, heating, and sometimes mixing with oils or liquids like barley wine (青稞酒) for purification. This process may also involve the use of medicinal substances to enhance the pigment’s durability and color.

4. Rituals and Chants

As part of the traditional process, specific chants and prayers are recited during pigment preparation. These rituals are believed to imbue the pigments with spiritual power, linking the materials to the divine and ensuring their effectiveness in the artwork.

5. Final Pigment Preparation

The final pigment is tested for its color strength and durability before being used in the painting process. The Thangka paintings created with these pigments are known for their vivid colors and long-lasting vibrancy.

Key Features

Tibetan mineral and plant-based pigments have several unique characteristics:

  • Longevity: The colors retain their brilliance and vibrancy for centuries, making them ideal for creating artwork that will be passed down through generations.

  • Natural Composition: The pigments are entirely derived from natural materials, with no synthetic additives.

  • Cultural Significance: The creation of these pigments is deeply intertwined with Tibetan Buddhist rituals and cultural practices, as well as traditional medicine.

These pigments are used not only in Thangka (唐卡) painting but also in sand paintings, murals, wood carvings, and furniture decorations, making them essential to many forms of Tibetan artistic expression.

Significance of Inheritance

The manufacturing of mineral and plant pigments in Tibet is not only important for the preservation of Tibetan art but also for maintaining traditional practices that have been passed down for generations. In 2019, the Tibetan Art and Architecture Company (拉萨市城关区古艺建筑美术公司) was granted protection status as the official organization responsible for safeguarding this heritage.

In October 2023, the organization received further recognition for its efforts in preserving and promoting the manufacturing process of Tibetan pigments. The Thangka (唐卡) artists’ reliance on these ancient techniques ensures that the vibrant traditions of Tibetan art continue to thrive, despite modern challenges.

Endangered Status

Despite its rich history, the practice of manufacturing Tibetan mineral and plant pigments is increasingly at risk. The demand for raw materials, such as rare minerals and plants, has led to environmental concerns, while the younger generation’s diminished interest in traditional crafts threatens the continuity of these methods. Therefore, it is crucial to preserve the knowledge and skills involved in pigment production to ensure that this essential aspect of Tibetan culture remains vibrant for future generations.

The Manufacturing Process Technology of Mineral and Plant Pigments in Tibet (藏族矿植物颜料制作技艺) is an integral part of Tibetan artistic and cultural heritage. The use of natural pigments derived from the Tibetan Plateau (青藏高原) enhances the artistic value and spiritual significance of Thangka paintings and other Tibetan art forms. These pigments not only contribute to the vivid and lasting beauty of the artwork but also represent the deep connection between Tibetan culture, religion, and the natural environment. Preserving these ancient techniques ensures that Tibetan art continues to shine brightly in the modern world.