Thangla Tsewang

CHINA, Sichuan, Garze

Thangla Tsewang was born in Derge county of Garze and was a representative painter of the Menri school in the 20th century. He entered Palpung Monastery at age seven, and learned Tibetan calligraphy from Norbu Dondrub. He also studied as an apprentice painter under Wangchuk Lodro at 12 years old, and later, he learned the techniques of the two major Tibetan painting schools from Katok Situ Chokyi Gyatso and Phurbu Tshering of the Menri school, and another master of the Khyentse school.
Under the guidance of Katok Situ Chokyi Gyatso, he painted the mandala in Katok Monastery in Sichuan. When this work was completed, he returned to Palpung Monastery and continued to paint Buddha images. In addition, when he stayed in Tsurphu Monastery and served as the secretary of the Sixteenth Dalai Lama, he devoted himself to the propagation of the Buddha’s teachings, as well as art and culture.
His works include a Chinese-style depiction of the Sixteen Arhats, a portrait of Milarepa, a portrait of Situ Pema Wangchok Gyalpo, and many thangkas and murals. Thangla Tsewang was also involved in the mural restoration project of the Yungdrung Monastery in 1982, and painted many murals.