Bhutan’s Art and Crafts

An essential part of Bhutan’s cultural heritage is the thirteen traditional arts and crafts that have been practiced from time immemorial. These arts were formally categorized during the reign of Gyalse Tenzin Rabgay, the fourth temporal ruler of Bhutan. Art and Architecture also has an important place in Bhutanese culture. It is deeply rooted in Buddhist philosophy and is illustrated through Zorig Chusum (The Thirteen Traditional Arts and Crafts), Dzong (Fortress) architecture, Chortens (stupa) and Lhakhangs (monasteries). All Bhutanese art and architecture is vested in the theme of a harmonious coexistence of human beings and the environment that surrounds them. They form an essential part of Bhutanese culture and lifestyle.

Bhutan’s architecture remains distinctively traditional and unique. By law construction of houses and buildings should follow the way of using wood works around the windows and roofs. Dzongs in Bhutan are built without using a single nail.