Sonam Dorje

CHINA, Tibet, Lhasa

Born in Lhasa, Sonam Dorje was a painter who apprenticed under the famous artist Tsedrung Leysen Yeshe Gyatso. During the inauguration of the Takten Migyur Palace, also known as the New Palace, at Norbulingka Palace in Lhasa in 1955, he was one among the team of young artists who painted the murals. He was later promoted to the position of deputy head master.
He became employed by the Ancient Art Restoration Center of Lhasa in 1980, and during his period of service, he was involved in mural restoration works at the Maitreya Shrine in Tashilhunpo Monastery, Samye Monastery, and the Potala Palace.
As a result of his dedicated and excellent work, Sonam Dorje was awarded with a certificate of recognition and a gold medal. The following year, he was honored with the title Great Master of China Art and Craft.
Among Sonam Dorje’s existing works, his thangka featuring a Vajrayana deity is an example of his paintings in traditional Tibetan style. An appropriate amount of space was left surrounding the deity in order to highlight the intentional characteristics of the painting.