Threading the past forward

Her father, Norbu, a regional-level inheritor of Xizang embroidery, founded the Lhasa Tsemonling Ethnic Handicraft Inheritance Center in the regional capital, Lhasa, in 2006.

Over nearly four decades, Norbu has trained over 40 craftsmen, including people with disabilities and orphans. The center offers free training and accommodation.

"His lifelong lesson to me is perseverance. He does everything with unwavering determination, and I try to do the same," Pasang Dekyi says.

Building on that foundation, she has begun exploring ways to make Xizang embroidery more approachable. Her creations range from traditional works to contemporary items such as brooches, bracelets and fridge magnets. Some designs even incorporate familiar pop culture imagery, including Mickey Mouse.

By introducing recognizable elements, she hopes to spark curiosity among younger audiences and people from different cultural backgrounds.

"Many traditional thangka subjects feel distant or solemn to newcomers," she says. "Using familiar characters like Mickey opens a door and creates a bridge. It invites people in and encourages them to learn more."

Her studies in cities such as Suzhou, Jiangsu province, and Beijing further expanded her perspective. There, she experimented with adapting applique embroidery into cultural products and interactive workshops, presenting the craft in ways that feel lighter, more engaging and easier to access.

"This is not about breaking tradition," she says. "It's about continuing it in a language people today can understand."

Looking ahead, Pasang Dekyi envisions two parallel directions. One focuses on high-end custom pieces, using exquisite craftsmanship on formal dresses to showcase the art's grandeur. The other emphasizes minimalist designs for everyday wear, featuring subtle details that resonate with younger consumers.

She also hopes to take Xizang embroidery to international fashion weeks and art exhibitions, letting the world know that Xizang's beauty lies not only in its landscapes but also in its exquisite craftsmanship.

Meanwhile, the center continues to train young apprentices. Among them is 20-year-old Ngakwang Chophel, who began learning at 14 and can now create independent thangka works.

"It's inspiring to watch them grow from beginners to skilled craftsmen. They don't just gain a skill — they gain a new direction in life," Pasang Dekyi says.

For her, the most rewarding part is seeing the inheritors stand on their own feet.

"This is the true meaning of our work — passing on the craft and helping people build stable lives," she says.

Through the combined efforts of practitioners like Norbu, Pasang Dekyi, and many others, Xizang embroidery thangka was inscribed on the national intangible cultural heritage list in 2021.

Pasang Dekyi remains committed to her mission, ensuring that this ancient art continues to evolve while staying rooted in its original spirit.