Zepei- Inheritor of Tibetan Woodblock Printing Skill in Jomda County, Qamdo, Tibet

Zepei (泽培), a native of Waichong Village (外冲村), Bolo Township (波罗乡), Jomda County (江达县), Qamdo (昌都市), is a renowned Tibetan woodblock printing artist and the national representative inheritor of Tibetan Woodblock Printing Skill, specifically the Bolo Guze Carving Technique (波罗古泽刻版制作技艺). His work has been recognized as an important part of China’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Early Life and Craftsmanship

Zepei began learning the family’s woodblock carving technique at the young age of 12, inheriting the skills passed down through nine generations of his family. In 1978, he traveled to the Dege Tibetan Printing Institute (德格印经院) for formal training, where he spent five years mastering the full range of carving techniques.

Since 1983, Zepei has worked in areas such as Nagqu’s Anduo County (那曲安多县) and Dege (德格) in Sichuan, specializing in carving Tibetan scripture woodblocks. In 1992, he played a significant role in the restoration of woodblocks for the Dege Tibetan Printing Institute.

As a ninth-generation master, Zepei has spent more than 40 years teaching the art of carving, particularly in Waichong Village, Bolo Township during the winter months. He has trained over 200 apprentices, passing down his knowledge and skill to future generations.

Promoting Industry Development

In 2019, with the support of the local village work team, a woodblock carving company was established in Bolo Township. Zepei took the lead in founding the Boluohong Woodcraft Co-operative (波罗乡木松民族手工艺公司), where he helped set up a standardized woodblock carving workshop and sunlight rooms.

Through the “cooperative + farmer” model, the income of local artisans significantly increased. Key achievements include:

  • In 2021, the average annual income of residents in Waichong Village reached 12,500 RMB.

  • Between January and August 2022, the cooperative’s dividend payout exceeded 7.85 million RMB.

  • The number of artisans in the woodblock printing industry grew from 4 to 112.

These developments have created job opportunities for the local population, leading to an economic uplift in the area and an expanded market for traditional Tibetan woodblock printing.

Social Impact and Recognition

Zepei’s efforts have not only preserved the traditional woodblock printing art but have also contributed significantly to the rural revitalization of his community. His leadership in the development of the Bolo Guze Woodblock Carving industry has been widely recognized, and he has become a driving force in improving the livelihood of local residents.

As part of his ongoing contributions, Zepei was employed as a labor agent by the Jomda County Human Resources and Social Security Bureau (江达县人社局) and successfully recommended over 50 apprentices for employment in places like Lhasa (拉萨) and Chengdu (昌都).

In 2018, Zepei was included in the list of recommended candidates for the fifth batch of national intangible cultural heritage inheritors, highlighting his dedication to the art. He continues to work at the forefront of the craft and remains active in promoting the transmission of this invaluable heritage as of 2025.

Legacy and Cultural Significance

Zepei’s role as the representative inheritor of Tibetan Woodblock Printing Skill (藏族雕版印刷技艺) has not only ensured the survival of this ancient craft but also brought economic development to his community. His work demonstrates how traditional art forms can play a vital role in cultural preservation and modern economic growth. By providing training and creating a sustainable industry, Zepei has paved the way for future generations to continue and innovate this important part of Tibetan culture.