Tibetan metal forging technique

Name of Chinese national intangible cultural heritage: Tibetan metal forging technique

Applicant: Xigaze Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region

Project No.: 903

Project No.: VIII - 120

Time of publication: 2011 (the third batch)

Category: traditional art

Region: Tibet Autonomous Region

Type: Extension Project

Applicant: Xigaze Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region

Protection unit: culture and Tourism Bureau of sangzhuzi District, Shigatse City

Brief introduction of Tibetan metal forging technique (zhaxiji gold silver copper forging technique)

Applicant: Xigaze Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region

The processing technology of zhaxijicai gold, silver and bronze ware factory in Shigatse has a long history. According to research, the seventh Panchen danbainima invited craftsmen from Nepal to set up a processing site in Luding (now south of Shigatse) to specially organize the processing of temple articles. Since then, zhaxijicai has become a village with the most concentrated goldsmiths and the best product quality in Xizang.

Zhaxi Jicai village originally had a tradition of making gold, silver and copper. This kind of craft was only inherited within the family. It has been more than 150 years since the seventh Panchen Lama took them as a special workshop for Zhaxi temple. Due to the superb processing technology and exquisite products, zhaxijicai enjoys a high reputation in Tibetan areas. After the democratic reform of Tibet in 1959, Zhaxi Jicai was no longer a special workshop for Zhaxi temple, but became a gold, silver and bronze processing factory in Shigatse City. However, it still maintained the traditional craft, and its products were particularly popular.

There are two types of gold, silver and copper in Shigatse: one is ornaments, such as bracelets, rings, necklaces, headwear, chest ornaments, scabbard and snuff bottles; the other is daily necessities, such as wine bottles, wine bowls, spoons, chopsticks and plates, some of which are made of pure gold and silver, some of which are inlaid and wrapped with gold and silver. Skilled craftsmen can also make all kinds of patterns on gold and silver ware, exquisite and exquisite, vivid dragon, Phoenix, tiger and lion. In addition, copper utensils are indispensable in the life and production of Shigatse people, such as stove, pot, ladle, basin, VAT, scabbard, saddle ornament, bucket screen, Buddha statue and donator. They are all handmade with exquisite workmanship and beautiful shape, and have a strong Tibetan style.