Light Of The Sacred Land
Niangben & Renqingduojie

Silicon Valley Asian Art Center

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

WITNESS THE SACRED VISION OF TIBETAN BUDDHIST ART

From the murals of Dunhuang to the Thangkas of Regong, this exhibition reveals the living heritage of Tibetan artistry through 23 sacred pieces by Niangben and Renqing Duojie—two masters devoted to both tradition and innovation.

23

THANGKAS

2

ARTISTS

APR 19–30

2025 year

Artists

Niangben

Niangben, a nationally recognized inheritor of the “Regong Art” intangible cultural heritage and a Chinese master of arts and crafts, was immersed in the artistic traditions of Regong in Qinghai Province’s Huangnan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture from a young age.

Born in 1971 in Regong Art Village, Wutun Shangzhuang, Longwu Town, Tongren County, Autonomous Prefecture, he was deeply influenced and influenced by the Buddhist painting art of Wutun Shangsi and Xiasi Temple since childhood.

Through years of artistic practice and innovation, Niangben has boldly incorporated elements from Dunhuang murals, Tibetan Thangka color palettes, and Han Chinese gongbi techniques, forming his distinct Thangka style and becoming one of the most representative figures in the transformation stage of Regong Thangka art.

Renqing Duojie

Renqing Duojie was born in 1995 in Wutun Shangzhuang, Huangnan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province, P.R.China. Immersed in the rich tradition of Regong thangka art, he developed a deep passion for the craft from a young age. As the son of Niangben, a renowned Chinese arts and crafts master and an ambassador for Regong art (a National Intangible Cultural Heritage Project), Renqing began learning the art of thangka painting from his father at age 13.

After nearly 12 years of rigorous training and dedicated effort, he mastered the techniques taught to him through the Regong thangka art ecological inheritance program. Throughout his apprenticeship, Renqing absorbed the artistic essence of his father’s work, striving for excellence in his knowledge and skills, and constantly innovating in his creations. His artistic style is distinguished by its bright and elegant colors, meticulous composition, and vivid expressions.

From the murals of Dunhuang to the Thangkas of Regong, from Zhang Daqian to Niangben and Renqing Duojie, this artistic lineage transcends time — preserving sacred traditions while breathing new life into Tibetan Buddhist art.

Shu Jianhua
Silicon Valley Asian Art Center