Bhutanese Art and Architecture
The art and architecture of Bhutan is derived from Buddhist doctrine and mythology and the art and architecture is unique. Bhutanese art and architecture can be seen everywhere. Be it dzongs or simple houses, Bhutanese art and architecture is always forms a major part.
Bhutanese art and the Tibetan art is similar to each other. Both the art is based on Vajrayana Buddhism. It is said that Teron Pema Lingpa introduced the arts and crafts in Bhutan. In the year 1680 Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal ordered the establishment of the school for learning thirteen traditional arts and crafts. The thirteen traditional arts are:Lug zo (Bronze casting) ,Shag zo (Wood turning), Dho zo (Stonework), Par zo (Carving), Lha zo (Painting),Jim zo (Sculpting or clay arts), Shing zo (Woodwork),Gar zo (Blacksmithing), Troe zo (Ornament making or silver/gold smithing) ,Tsha zo (Bamboo Work) De zo (Paper making), Tshem zo (Tailoring, embroidery and applique or needlework ) and Thag zo (Weaving).
The dzongs, monasteries, bridges and houses depict the unique architecture of Bhutan. Certain rules and codes were followed to bulid the traditional buildings. Traditionally nails are not used in construction of buildings and there is a lavish use of wood. The doors and windows are mostly painted with traditional images and texts each with a special importance. The walls of the buildings are sloped and the sizes of windows increase with the increase in stories. The dzongs, monasteries and temples generally used to have stone walls and the houses were made from rammed earthen walls, pounded into wooden frames.
The construction of any buildings or bridges used to be governed and guided by the astrologer's calculations and were always followed by rituals.
Though the modern constructions are done using modern materials such as cement, rods, CGI sheets, it is always ensured that the traditional art and architecture is clearly depicted in the construction.