Zhaxi Jicai Gold, Silver and Forged Copper Manufacturing Process in Shigatse

Zhaxi Jicai Gold, Silver, and Forged Copper Manufacturing (扎西吉彩金银锻铜技艺) is a traditional metalworking technique originating from Zhaxi Jicai Village (扎西吉彩村) in Samzhubze District (桑珠孜区), Shigatse (日喀则市), Tibet Autonomous Region (西藏自治区). With over 200 years of history, this skill was introduced in the mid-19th century by Nepali artisans during the reign of the 7th Panchen Lama (第七世班禅丹白尼玛). The craft is primarily known for its religious artifacts, as well as items used in daily life, architecture, and tourism souvenirs.

This metalworking tradition includes the crafting of religious instruments, life utensils, architectural decorations, and tourist souvenirs. Notable examples include the restoration of metal components at famous monasteries like Sakya Monastery (桑耶寺) and Ganden Monastery (甘丹寺). In 2011, this skill was listed as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage, with the Shigatse Samzhubze Cultural and Tourism Bureau (日喀则市桑珠孜区文化和旅游局) designated as its official protection unit.

The current inheritor, Lhaba Qionda (拉巴琼达), has reformed the traditional family-based inheritance system by establishing an open teaching model, creating a team of skilled artisans. As of now, there are 15 artisans continuing the legacy through a “mentor-mentee” mechanism. The practice has received policy support under the Tibet Autonomous Region’s “14th Five-Year Plan” for Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection, leading to the creation of innovative products such as tea trays and belt buckles, thus expanding its product range.

Key Information

  • Heritage Name: Zhaxi Jicai Gold, Silver, and Forged Copper Manufacturing Process (扎西吉彩金银锻铜技艺)

  • Approval Date: 2011 (Third Batch)

  • Heritage Level: National (国家级)

  • Heritage Number: VIII-120

  • Heritage Category: Traditional Craftsmanship (传统技艺)

  • Protection Unit: Shigatse Samzhubze Cultural and Tourism Bureau (日喀则市桑珠孜区文化和旅游局)

  • Representative Inheritor: Lhaba Qionda (国家级)

  • Geographical Indication: Shigatse, Tibet Autonomous Region (西藏日喀则市桑珠孜区)

Historical Origins

The Birth of Zhaxi Jicai Metal Forging

The origins of this metal forging technique can be traced back to 1844, during the reign of the 7th Panchen Lama (第七世班禅丹白尼玛). During this time, artisans from Nepal were invited to Shigatse (日喀则市) to establish workshops in Zhaxi Jicai Village (扎西吉彩村) for crafting religious instruments and decorative components for prominent monasteries such as Tashilhunpo Monastery (扎什伦布寺).

After the democratic reforms in Tibet in 1959, these traditional workshops transformed into the Zhaxi Jicai Gold, Silver, and Forged Copper Factory (扎西吉彩金银铜器厂), which became the first large-scale metalworking collective in Tibet. In 2019, the Shigatse Samzhubze Cultural and Tourism Bureau (日喀则市桑珠孜区文化和旅游局) was officially designated as the protection responsibility unit for this intangible cultural heritage.

Craftsmanship Features

Core Processes

The craftsmanship of Zhaxi Jicai metal forging involves several core steps:

  • Shaping the Rough Form: Silver ingots or copper plates are placed on an iron anvil and hammered thousands of times to shape them into utensils. For example, the making of a silver bowl may take 2-3 days of continuous pounding.

  • Engraving: Using over 30 specialized engraving tools, artisans carve traditional Tibetan patterns, including designs of dragons, phoenixes, tigers, lions, and the Eight Auspicious Symbols (八吉祥) typical of Tibetan art.

  • Welding and Polishing: The components are joined together using traditional borax welding methods. Finally, the product is polished to a mirror-like finish using yak horn.

Material Classifications

  1. Religious Artifacts: Buddha statues, butter lamps, prayer wheels, and other temple tools.

  2. Life Utensils: Silver bowls, copper stoves, drinking vessels, and other everyday items.

  3. Architectural Decorations: Gold-plated roof ornaments and law wheels used in monasteries.

Inheritance and Protection

The Inheritance System

Historically, the technique was passed down within family lines. Today, it has evolved into a three-year apprenticeship system, where apprentices receive a monthly living allowance of 1800 RMB. The current inheritance system includes:

  • 5 National Inheritors

  • 20 Regional Inheritors

  • 18 Artisans and Apprentices

Since 2021, the Tibet Autonomous Region Intangible Cultural Heritage Regulations (西藏自治区非物质文化遗产条例) have been implemented, with a special fund of 1.055 million RMB allocated for the protection of this craft. The factory has expanded its production area by 500 square meters, introducing an order-based training system, and apprentices can secure employment in the factory after graduation.

Representative Works

Famous Works of Zhaxi Jicai Metal Forging

  • Sakya Monastery Gold-Plated Pinnacle: This project involved restoring the roof decorations of the monastery’s main hall, using pure copper and gold leaf.

  • Engraved Silver Butter Tea Pot: A piece in the collection of the Tibet Autonomous Region Museum, with intricate engravings of the Eight Auspicious Symbols and scroll patterns.

  • Silver-Wrapped Wooden Bowl: An innovative product where wooden bowls are wrapped with silver, creating a popular tourist souvenir.

Social Impact

Economic and Cultural Influence

As of 2024, artisans at the Zhaxi Jicai Gold, Silver, and Forged Copper Factory earn an average monthly income of 7,000 RMB. The products are sold in over 20 provinces and cities across China. Through media programs like “Riding the Bus to See China” (乘着大巴看中国), this traditional craftsmanship has reached a wider audience, attracting over 3,000 people to participate in intangible heritage experience activities.

According to the Shigatse Cultural Bureau, derivative products related to this craft now account for 17.3% of the local tourist souvenir market share.