Mina Ciren- Inheritor of Drikung Embroidery Tangka Painting in Maizhokunggar County, Lhasa, Tibet

Mina Ciren (米玛次仁) is a renowned Tibetan artist and the national-level representative inheritor of the Drikung Embroidery Thangka (墨竹工卡直孔刺绣唐卡), a unique form of Tibetan Thangka painting. Born in February 1975 in Maizhokunggar County (墨竹工卡县), Lhasa, Tibet, he has dedicated his life to the preservation and innovation of this intricate art form, which blends painting with embroidery.

Early Life and Artistic Career

Mina Ciren hails from a family of Thangka embroidery artisans, with his ancestral roots deeply connected to the tradition of Drikung Embroidery Thangka. At the age of 14, he began his formal training under the guidance of his maternal uncle, Geni Qunpei (格尼群培), a respected master of the embroidery art. By the year 2000, he established his own workshop dedicated to the craft of Thangka embroidery, where he honed his skills and mastered the embroidery techniques from the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties (宋、元、明、清时期) to create uniquely detailed and textured pieces.

Masterpiece: The “Gajiu Golden Silk Treasure Thangka”

In 2004, Mina Ciren embarked on the creation of his most famous work, the “Gajiu Golden Silk Treasure Thangka” (直孔嘎举金锦宝串唐卡), a monumental project commissioned to showcase his mastery of the Drikung Embroidery Thangka. The creation of this massive Thangka took a total of nine years, with the final piece completed in 2013.

This Thangka is 120 meters long and 85 meters wide, covering a total area of 10,200 square meters. The central Buddha figure’s hand measures an astonishing 2 meters in length, making it not only one of the largest Thangkas in the world but also an exceptional display of intricate craftsmanship. The Guinness World Records officially recognized this piece as the largest Thangka ever created at the time.

The “Gajiu Golden Silk Treasure Thangka” was first publicly displayed on June 28, 2013, in Maizhokunggar County (墨竹工卡县), where it attracted international attention for its monumental scale and intricate detailing.

Inheritance and Innovation

Mina Ciren’s approach to Thangka embroidery goes beyond traditional practices. In 2013, he broke from his family’s previous model of inheritance by founding the Drikung Embroidery Thangka Cooperative (直孔刺绣唐卡合作社) and company. This allowed him to recruit over 30 apprentices, expanding the reach of his knowledge and ensuring the preservation of the Drikung embroidery tradition.

Additionally, Mina Ciren has collaborated with various institutions, such as the China Silk Archive (中国丝绸档案馆), to create innovative pieces, including the “Songtsan Gampo and Princess Wencheng” (松赞干布与文成公主), a piece that combines traditional techniques with modern interpretations, pushing the boundaries of the Thangka art form.

Honors and Recognition

Mina Ciren’s contributions to the preservation and innovation of Tibetan art have been widely recognized. In 2018, he was officially acknowledged as a national-level inheritor of the Drikung Embroidery Thangka (墨竹工卡直孔刺绣唐卡) by the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

In 2023, he was awarded the prestigious title of Tibetan Master of Arts and Crafts (西藏自治区工艺美术大师), further solidifying his position as a leading figure in the field of Tibetan Thangka art. His works are now preserved in prominent institutions such as the China Silk Archive, showcasing his lasting impact on both the cultural heritage of Tibet and the broader art community.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Mina Ciren has not only contributed to the artistic landscape but has also played an integral role in the economic development of the region. Through his workshop and cooperative, he has trained and mentored over 30 apprentices, ensuring the continued transmission of the Drikung Embroidery Thangka craft. His efforts to modernize and innovate the tradition while staying true to its roots have made his work highly sought after in both domestic and international markets.

His contributions extend to the cultural tourism industry as well, where his monumental works and innovative approach have drawn attention to Tibetan Thangka painting as a dynamic and living tradition. By combining the arts with sustainable tourism practices, Mina Ciren has created a platform where local artisans can thrive, and traditional Tibetan culture can be shared with the world.