The elegance of Mengthang: The sacred Thangka artistry of Xizang
The Mengthang school of painting was founded in the 15th century by Menla Dondrup Gyatso in Lhozhag County, Shannan, within China's Xizang Autonomous Region. Over time, it grew into one of the most influential traditions in Tibetan Buddhist art, with its murals prominently displayed in the Great East Hall, the Great West Hall and other sacred chambers of the Potala Palace.
Tsering Wangyal – an inheritor of the Mengthang lineage in Sakya County, Shigatse – patiently guides apprentices in this sacred art. Sakya has a profound historical connection to Mengthang: centuries ago, its founder Menla Dondrup Gyatso traveled to places – including Sakya – to study under the renowned master Dopa Tashi Gyeltsen.
By the 17th century, the master painter Choying Gyatso further refined the tradition, blending classical techniques with influences from central China to establish what became known as the New Mengthang School. Today, this living heritage continues to flourish through the dedication of artists such as Tsering Wangyal and his disciples.
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