Inheritor of Tibetan Thangka inheritor embraces innovation to carry forward age-old tradition

An inheritor of the age-old Tibetan Thangka art form has introduced Chinese painting and sketching techniques to the Thangka classroom as he looks to inspire the next generation, believing that innovation is the best way to carry forward tradition.

Konchoge, a seasoned artist based in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, has adopted the novel approach to add a distinctive flair to his art. His works are striking in that they integrate traditional Chinese painting techniques which reinvigorate the thousand-year-old practice of Thangka.

The subject matter portrayed in Thangka paintings is diverse, ranging from recreations of Princess Wencheng's epic journey to the Xizang region during the Tang Dynasty (618-907) period, to more complex depictions such as Tibetan medical illustrations.

Konchoge explained how embracing sketching techniques helps add another dimension to the historical Thangka practice.

"When we depict animals or figures, the Thangka tradition doesn't have the method of sketching found in traditional Chinese painting. We've embraced this technique, allowing these animals and figures to spring to life, so to speak," he said.

Recognized for his artistic talent, Konchoge was once funded by the state to further his studies at the Academy of Arts and Design at the prestigious Tsinghua University in Beijing, where he honed his skills.

Meanwhile, with the government providing annual funding to support the inheritance of intangible cultural heritage, enrollment at the Xizang Academy of Thangka has been freely offered to the public since its founding in 2012, helping to preserve the tradition among a new generation of artists.

"No payment is required; moreover, we provide lunch consisting of three dishes and one soup, accompanied by butter tea and sweet tea," said Konchoge, who now works at the academy.

By integrating techniques from other traditional Chinese arts into his own, Konchoge is achieving a unique cultural fusion. Now, thanks to state support, the Xizang Academy of Thangka is introducing the glories of an enduring and evolving craft to the whole world.

"Preserving the ancient techniques is our mission; innovation is the best way to carry forward the tradition," Konchoge said.

Konchoge's story was featured in a new episode of the documentary "Yes, it's Xizang!" -- which was released by the China Global Television Network (CGTN) on Thursday.

Inheritor of Tibetan Thangka inheritor embraces innovation to carry forward age-old tradition

Trade volume between China and Russia surged 19.7 percent year on year to reach 85.2 billion U.S. dollars during the January-April period, marking a good start to this year, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.

He Yadong, spokesman for the commerce ministry, said at a regular press briefing that the annual trade between the two countries has exceeded 200 billion U.S. dollars for three consecutive years.

The ministry and relevant Russian authorities have signed cooperation documents on trade and support for multilateralism, He said.

The spokesman said the two sides will continue to strengthen communication on economic and trade policies, leverage new quality productive forces to create fresh engines for growth, and upgrade trade in goods and services.

"The annual trade volume between China and Russia has exceeded 200 billion U.S. dollars for three consecutive years. Trade between the two countries got off to a good start this year as the trade volume during the January-April period reached 85.2 billion U.S. dollars, up 19.7 percent year on year. As the upgraded China-Russia agreement on promotion and reciprocal protection of investments has officially come into effect, investment and cooperation in industrial and supply chains between the two countries are set to see continuous improvements with deepening sub-national cooperation. Not long ago, the two heads of state sent congratulatory letters to the 10th China-Russia Expo, fully demonstrating their deep expectations for strengthening local cooperation between the two countries," He said.

"Next, the commerce ministry will earnestly implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, and work to improve and upgrade bilateral economic and trade cooperation to lay a solid foundation for the development of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era. The two sides will also enhance mutual collaboration in multilateral and regional cooperation, jointly contributing to safeguarding a fair and reasonable international economic order," He said.

China-Russia trade up 19.7 pct in Jan-April