The Bhutanese Leading the way.
The Royal Textile Academy (RTA) officially opened the exhibition for the 23rd National Design and Art Competition (NDAC) with a ceremony that included the presentation of prizes and certificates.
Her Royal Highness Princess Euphelma Choden Wangchuck graced the event that showcased Bhutan’s rich artistic traditions and celebrated the country’s vibrant creative heritage.
By highlighting the talent and skill of Bhutanese artisans, the competition aims to preserve Bhutan’s cultural identity and continues to thrive in the modern world. Artisans, art enthusiasts, and dignitaries from across the nation gathered to honor the outstanding works of Bhutanese artists who excelled in various traditional art forms.
Among the many remarkable works on display at the exhibition, one piece stood out for its sheer scale and intricate beauty, a hand-embroidered thangka, which is a traditional Buddhist artwork, created by Dechen Tshomo, a 34-year-old artist and mother of two, from Trashiyangtse.
This work of art earned Dechen the top prize in the embroidery category and captured the attention of visitors and judges alike.
Dechen Tshomo’s journey into the world of embroidery is evidence of her dedication and passion for preserving Bhutanese artistic traditions. Growing up in the eastern region of Bhutan, which is known for its rich cultural heritage, Dechen was exposed to the art of weaving and embroidery from a young age.
While many in her community practiced these traditional crafts, it wasn’t until she became an adult that Dechen fully immersed herself in the intricate art of embroidery.
Despite the challenges of balancing her responsibilities as a mother, Dechen’s commitment to her craft has never wavered. She spends countless hours working on her embroidery projects, pouring both patience and devotion into each piece. Her work is not just a livelihood; it is a reflection of her love for her culture and a way to express her spirituality.
Dechen’s dedication to the art form has allowed her to become one of Bhutan’s leading embroidery artists, and her work continues to inspire both established artisans and younger generations.
The thangka stands at an impressive 11 feet tall, showcasing the depth of Dechen’s skills and the spiritual devotion she pours into each creation. It was commissioned by one of the Goenpas as part of a larger spiritual offering. The intricate design, framed in a brocade border, features Guru Rinpoche, one of the most revered figures in Bhutanese Buddhism, surrounded by a pantheon of sacred figures and vibrant motifs.
Creating such a large and detailed thangka presented numerous challenges for Dechen and her team. The project, valued at Nu 650,000, required not only technical mastery but also an immense amount of patience. Dechen used Hong Kong silk, a material known for its durability and luxurious texture, creating a piece that would stand the test of time.
The process took over a year to complete, with Dechen dedicating long hours to ensure every stitch was perfect. She explained that while the project was daunting in terms of size and complexity, it also represented an immense spiritual opportunity.
“The Goenpa requested this thangka as part of a larger spiritual offering, and it was an immense honor to be entrusted with such an important piece,” Dechen shared. “The value isn’t just in the money; it’s in the spiritual significance and the responsibility to create something worthy of its purpose.”
What makes this thangka even more extraordinary is the cost of its creation. To source the raw materials alone, Dechen spent more than Nu 100,000, a significant investment for an independent artist. The expense covered the cost of Hong Kong silk and other specialized materials needed to bring the intricate design to life.
At her home, Dechen works on thangkas of various sizes. Some pieces are relatively smaller, while others, like the one she created for the competition, can take months or even years to complete. The size, complexity, and symbolism of each thangka dictate the amount of time and effort required.
“I have never considered doing anything else,” she says. “Embroidery is my life’s work. It’s what I know and love.”
“The act of embroidering a thangka is like offering a prayer,” Dechen said. “It takes time, focus, and reverence, not only for the art form but for what it represents.”
Despite living in a world that is increasingly dominated by modern technology, Dechen remains confident that traditional crafts like embroidery still have a place.
“Even in today’s world, I feel that embroidery, especially creating thangkas, can still provide me with a livelihood,” says Dechen. “It’s an art that is timeless, and I will continue to nurture it.”
Her belief in the enduring value of traditional arts is not just about sustaining her livelihood but also about preserving Bhutan’s rich cultural identity.
Through her work, Dechen hopes to inspire other women to take up the craft and embrace the world of traditional arts that can promote the importance of sustaining cultural practices in an ever-changing world.
