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TRADITIONAL TIBETAN ARTS & HANDICRAFT
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TIBETAN PAINTING
Tibetans consider their paintings a heritage, a part of
their religion. They enjoy seeing beautiful paintings along
the roadside on rocks and clifs, frescos on monastery walls,
inside sacred buildings and on Tangkas hung in their homes.
 This
art that serves them so brilliantly also serves the world,
in spreading the good word of their unshakable belief
systems. Paintings are often depicting the Gods of Tibetan
Buddhism, icons of their faith, and dreams of the better
life to come. These painting found all around them remind
them of their commitment to their rituals, prayers and
sacrifices. To visitors, the colorful art, clothing and
lives of Tibetans are a delight to behold. For a look at
some fantastic Tibetan paintings check out these fantastic
paintings of the
Lhasa Train. |
TIBETAN ARTY ARCHITECTURE
One of the most amazing things in Tibet is the
magnificently painted buildings.
 If
you study them you can only imagine the years of labor that
went in to every stroke. The intricate detail is only part
of the story. The bright colors all have meaning beyond the
mere artistic value. Take a little time to study the
structure, painting and carvings of monasteries, temples,
and even many buildings and homes. Red and white symbolizes
power and peace, respectively. You will find these colors
everywhere, but of special interest in the Potala Palace.
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SHOPPING TIBET
STYLE
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Shopping in Tibet is a
unique and exhilarating experience. Tibetan artistic skills
goes back for centuries. Most of the goods you will come
across in the Barkhor in Lhasa are
sold to local Tibetans.
 The
Barkhor does have some "tourist" stuff, little doll key
chains, factory-made aprons and so forth, likely made in
Chinese factories and sold wholesale to the Tibetans who own
the stalls of the Barkhor. The Barkhor circles the
Jokhang Temple in a complete
circle. However, most of what you will run across are goods
made and sold by Tibetans for Tibetans. Tibetan charm comes
through these choice items. Tibetan carpets when handmade by
Tibetan artisans are some of the best carpets in the world.
Silver items like jewelry can be a good find, but be
cautious.
 Check
out the Tibetan knives of intricate detail, horse bells,
copper tea pots, musical instruments, Tibetan jewelry (be
sure you know how to tell genuine turquoise because a lot of
it is fake), the comfortable silk pants, portable Tibetan
scriptures, and of course, the hand held prayer wheels. Be
careful, there is a lot of junk, plastic, worthless stuff,
but if you take a little time to compare you'll be able to
make a smart purchase.
Great souvenirs can be found for under $5 US.
Also consider saving your shopping dollars
for smaller villages where the artisans live, or meander
about the back alleys of the old city in Lhasa and find
artists at work. Sometimes you can buy beautiful crystal
rocks from Tibetan beggars along the Friendship Hwy. No
matter where you shop, the experience is the best part of
the memory. |
| Lhasa Department Store, is located on the west end of
Yuthok Lu, one of the largest and best-known markets in
Lhasa. It sells items like cotton clothing, mugs, canned
food, towels, and toothpaste, plus local handicrafts.
However, shopping the Barkhor and buying directly from
Tibetans is much more pleasing and satisfying. |
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