Traditional Tibetan woodcarving is an ancient and unique art that brings together artistry, creativity and spirituality. All monasteries and most homes in Tibet possess these fine works of art. Penpa Tsering is a Master woodcarver trained in this unique art since 12 years old, who participated in the restoration of wooden artifacts inside Potala Palace and Samye Monastery among many others inside Tibet. He also taught woodcraft and carpentry at Norbulingka Institute in India. Penpa is a proud resident of San Francisco Bay Area where he keeps this ancient tradition alive.

1. Traditional Tibetan Woodcarving Project
A proposal from Penpa Tsering in collaboration with Tibetan
Association of Northern California (TANC)
Work Samples
Presentation for
Creative Work Fund

2. Woodcarving process:
Sketching
Sketches of images, symbols and motifs are
hand-drawn by the artists traditionally
All images used in this presentation are authentic work of Master woodcarver Penpa Tsering

3. Woodcarving process:
Paper piercing and tracing -
dusting off the red-earth powder on the sketch
Tiny holes are pierced by hand on the paper along the
outline of the sketch after which the red-earth powder
is applied upon it

4. Woodcarving process:
Tracing image on the wooden panel
Dusting leaves a trace of the image on the
wooden board as the artist rolls up the paper

5. Woodcarving process:
Tracing images and drilling
Artist draws the image on the board and then using a
drill punches holes on the image

6. Woodcarving process:
Sawing with a traditional bow-saw
Using a traditional bow-saw, artist then threads the
hole and then saws along the image

7. Woodcarving process:
Carving with handmade chisels
Many hours of carving now finally begins….

8. Woodcarving tools:
Chisels (artist’s best friends)
Carving tools: all hand-made and maintained by the artists
including the chisel sharpener above

9. Artist’s work samples
The ceremonial throne at Tibetan community center, Richmond, CA (2012)

10. Artist’s work samples
An altar at a Tibetan home in Albany, CA (2011)

11. Artist’s work samples
Dragons, peacock and the lion-head
Tiger, lotus and the elephant

12. Artist’s work samples
At a Tibetan home in Berkeley, CA (2010)

13. Artist’s work samples
The peacock The thunderbolt The lion
The deer and the dharma wheel
The jewel

14. Artist’s work samples
Altar with Eight Auspicious Symbols, Albany, CA (2009)

15. Artist’s work samples
Garuda: the mythical bird (above) & the knot of interdependence (right)

16. Artist’s work samples
Some household items: table, offering box
(chemar bo) and picture frame

17. Thank You!
Submitted by:
Penpa Tsering & TANC
5200 Huntington Ave.
Richmond, CA 94804
07/17/2013