The craftsman is carefully carving the artifact. [Photo/China Tibet Online]

Tashi Jigdral, a famous Tibetan handicraft brand specializing in making gold, silver and bronze artifacts, is located in the Shigatse Prefecture of Tibet Autonomous Region, southwest China.

The brand had established its processing site early in the period of the Seventh Panchen Lama Tenpai Nyima, when it produced praying products for the temples. Tashi Jigdral has participated in building the two Panchen Stupas of Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse, and also took part in the maintenance and repair projects of the famous Tibetan Monasteries, including Labrang Monastery in Gansu Province, Samye Monastery in Lhoka Prefecture of Tibet, Ganden Monastery in Lhasa， Kumbum Monastery in Qinghai Province and Palkhor Chode Monastery in Gyantse County of Shigatse Prefecture.

Now the factory of Tashi Jigdral mainly produces special ethnic supplies, religious products, ancient building decorations and tourism products.

Lhachung is the inheritor of Tashi Jigdral production techniques, which is the state-level intangible cultural heritage. Lhachung's father and grandfather were all excellent craftsmen. When Lhachung was 18 years old, he followed his father to learn the production techniques of gold, silver and bronze. One and half years later, he finished his apprenticeship.

Now Lhachung is 50. He said: "The two key steps of production are 'sculpturing' and 'beating'. Take this silver bowl for example, its pattern on the surface is first drew by pencil and then carved in accordance with the line. The two procedures are also the highlights of the whole production process."

Photo shows Lhachung and his work. [Photo/China Tibet Online]

"Beating" is not easy. During the whole process of the artifacts molding, the craftsman is required to maintain a proper strength to beat the artifact constantly, therefore, it can ensure stability and power equality, and finally bear pieces of incredible artifacts.

Because of its exquisite "sculpturing" and "beating" steps, the products of Tashi Jigdral are quite popular among the Tibetans. Especially before the Tibetan New Year, the "wooden bowl with silver package" and the silver bowl for drinking butter tea are not adequate to the demand of the market.

Lhachung said: "The artifacts made by my grandfather in the past were only for the temples and noble families, while ordinary people now could enjoy the beauties."

At present, Tashi Jigdral has altogether 25 workers and apprentices. Speaking of inheritance, Lhachung said: "When I was an apprentice, I needed to pay tuition to the master. Nowadays the country has paid much attention to the field and issued various preferential policies to encourage the apprentices. They could also get salary during the study instead of paying tuition."

Lhachung is very confident to pass on the techniques of Tashi Jigdral and carry forward the traditional ethnic handicraft.

The two key steps of production are "sculpturing" and "beating". [Photo/China Tibet Online]

Photo shows the exquisite silverwork of Tashi Jigdral. [Photo/China Tibet Online]

The worker is setting gems on the artifact. [Photo/China Tibet Online]