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Tibetan Art: Folk Carving
Large in number, exquisite in materials and elegant
tastes, Tibetan
folk carving has been well known for centuries. The dozens of primordial rock
painting s found in scarcely populated valleys are the works of Tibetan
ancestors, also known as the first batch of artworks found on this land.
The art of folk carving in Tibet falls into many categories, including wood
carving, stone carving, bone carving, and clay and metal sculptures, etc.
Woodcarving
There are three kinds of woodcarvings: decorative carvings on buildings,
scripture-edition carvings and mould carvings. Various exquisite woodcarvings
decorate Tibetan beams, pillars and temple
niches. Woodcarvings also appear on beams, pillars and windows in many homes.
For example, the high and flat cabinets in many homes are decorated with
continuous wood-carved designs. On top of the cabinet are lotus flowers and
eight-treasure designs, which are painted in various bright colors.
Nowadays, Tibetan woodcarvers also make traditional and
ceremonial carved furniture, such as altar
s of all sizes, elaborate thrones, folding tables, incense burners, etc. Once
completed, the carved pieces are polished in an old-fashioned way or painted in
rich colors in accordance with Tibetan tradition. Some are further embellished
with gold rims.
Some of the earliest examples of Tibetan woodcarving date
back to the seventh century. The existing buildings of Tubo Times provide good
insight into the perfect expressive art.
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