Tibet launches body to promote thangka

LHASA－An association for the promotion of thangka painting has been established in Southwest China's Tibet autonomous region, in a move that will help to protect the national intangible cultural heritage art form.

After being approved by the region's civil affairs department, the Tibet Thangka Association was officially established on Sunday in Lhasa, the region's capital city. So far, 14 enterprises and 280 individuals have applied for membership.

Thangka is a Tibetan Buddhist art form. Pigments are derived from such mineral and organic materials as coral, sapphires, pearls and gold to preserve the color for centuries, and the paints are applied to cotton or silk.

In 2006, thangka was listed as a type of national cultural heritage, a status that has since boosted the art form.

"The development of the thangka industry has played a unique role in promoting employment, entrepreneurship and tourism," says Ngawang Jigme, head of the association.

He says the association should train more young painters, promote artistry, carry out research, and carry forward the thangka culture.

Since 2006, the country has spent 209 million yuan ($32 million) on the protection of intangible cultural heritage in Tibet, according to a white paper released earlier this year.

Xinhua