Tibetan Handicrafts – Snuff Bottle, Buddha Statue, Thangka, Tibetan Knife

Tibetan Handicrafts - Snuff Bottle

For a long time Tibetans had the custom of taking snuff. With the custom of taking snuff spread widely, the container of snuff form the history of a special national container. The snuff bottle, which perfectly combines art and practical function, not only reflected Tibetans' sagacity and wisdom, but also show their assorted and novel creative ability. Hence, the snuff bottle was conferred with vitality and nimbus by people on plateau.

The snuff bottle is also can be called "wish bottle". To put the wish in the bottle, hang in front of chest and pray sincerely, then the wish will come true.

Tibetan Handicrafts – Statue of Buddha

The statues of Buddhas in Exotoric Buddhism almost are with merciful and gentle appearance.

The statues of Buddhas in Esoteric Buddhism almost are very dignified and angry. Some of these statues of Buddhas are with three faces and six arms; some of them are holding various weapons; some of them wear a head necklace, with burning flame after them; some of them are holding a beautiful and gentle Goddess.

From shape and appearance, these statues of Buddhas are same. People distinguish each statue of Buddha from the posture of hand.

Tibetan Handicrafts – Thangka

"Thangka" is from Tibetan Language. The meaning of "Thang" is related with space. It means vast. "Ka" is similar with magic. It refers to fill a vacancy. Thangka is the transliteration of Tibetan language. It means scroll of Buddha.

The most common Thangka is religious painting – Buddha images. In general, the center of the painting is the main figure. Then, the painter will draw relevant figures, scene and stories around the center figure clockwise. Commonly, each Thangka tells a complete story. Things on the painting will vary with the plot of the story. It is unstrained for history, time and space, and the figure on the painting will not be affected by distance. All things on the painting will base on the same style and form a complete painting.

Tibetan Handicrafts – Tibetan Knife

Tibetan knife can be divided into long sword and waist knife. The long sword is named "Badangmo" in Tibetan Language. It is about 1 meter long. The waist knife is named "Jieci" in Tibetan Language. The length of waist knife is between 10 cm and 40 cm. the sheath of Tibetan knife include wooden sheath and cooper sheath, as well as iron sheath and silver covered sheath. In general, the sheath of Tibetan knife is carved with dragon, phoenix, tiger, lion, flower and other pattern. Some sheathes are also decorated with jewelry, agate and other precious things.

Tibetan knife is with practical and decorative functions. Until now, it has over 1600 years' history. Exquisite Tibetan knives almost were made by skillful craftsmen. Since Tibetan knife is with exquisite craftwork, fine carving, brilliant color and colorful knife tassel, it became distinctive Tibetan handicraft. When friends move to new residence, get married or give birth to baby, the host will be very happy if you present Tibetan knife as gift.