Bhutanese Art & Architectural Quest

Posted on: May 9, 2022

Availability: From: 2022-06-01 | To: 2023-12-28

Posted By: Truly Bhutan

Art and Architecture in Bhutan are known for their originality and harmonious proportions. Built around the 6th and 7th centuries, temples of Lhakhang Larpo, Nagpo in Haa, Kyichu near Paro and Jampa, Koebnchog-sum, and Gayney Lhakhang in Bumthang were the first recorded buildings representing the Art and Architecture of Bhutan. Most of the buildings in Bhutan were built by numerous lamas and their disciples. Close scrutiny of the Art and Architecture in Bhutan reveals that most of the buildings were one-storied and were located in the vicinity of the temples.

Having its roots in Buddhism, Art and Architecture in Bhutan run along the theme of the struggle between good and evil. One can easily spot streaks of Indian, Tibetan, and Chinese traditional styles in Bhutanese Architecture. However, talking about the Bhutanese Art, it is mostly symbolic with a high dose of ornamentation and decoration. Bhutanese regard an artist as a religious man who creates the work commissioned by the patron. Traditional Bhutanese artists were, however, said to be bound by the very strict iconographic conventions in Bhutanese art. On the other hand, they had the freedom to bring out their own personalities in minor works.