“Intangible cultural heritage is not a relic of the past; rather, it calls for our collective innovation and active engagement.” These words come from Sonam Bianjiu, a craftsman and practitioner of Lhasa appliqué Thangka intangible cultural heritage in Xizang.

Appliqué Thangka, also known as cut-and-pasted fabric appliqué Thangka, is a form of visual art that combines traditional craftsmanship with painting techniques and boasts a history of more than 600 years. In 2021, it was included in the fifth representative list of state-level intangible cultural heritage items.

In the eyes of Sonam and his team, preserving intangible cultural heritage has never meant solely following old traditions. By breaking the boundaries that once confined appliqué Thangka to traditional Thangka art, they have preserved its solemn and ornate artistic soul while creating cultural and creative products such as wall hangings, accessories, and refrigerator magnets that combine aesthetic appeal with practical use.

Scissors glide gracefully up and down; silk threads accumulate with meticulous precision. This 600-year-old appliqué Thangka technique has been revitalized through the skilled hands of young artisans.