Boudha · Kathmandu · Nepal
Living Lineage
Atelier
Preserving Tibetan Thangka Through Generations
Living Lineage Atelier is a family-led Tibetan thangka atelier based in Boudha, Kathmandu, dedicated to preserving and continuing a sacred painting lineage passed through generations.
Rooted in Tibetan Buddhist tradition, our work brings together devotion, iconographic discipline, family training, and the living practice of thangka painting.
The tradition continues
A Living Lineage of Tibetan Thangka Painting
Living Lineage Atelier was created to preserve and continue a family tradition of Tibetan thangka painting carried through successive generations.
The atelier is led by Master Tenzin Dhargay, a ninth-generation Tibetan thangka master also known as Phenpo Tendhar, together with tenth-generation artist Tenzin Kalden. Their work continues the family’s thangka lineage from Phenpo Yulnga Khari-Khangsar, a tradition rooted in sacred art, Buddhist practice, and cultural preservation.
Our aim is not only to create beautiful paintings, but to protect the knowledge, discipline, and devotional spirit behind Tibetan thangka art.
The atelier
The Atelier
Living Lineage Atelier is not only an individual artist’s studio. It is an atelier built around family lineage, long-term training, and the shared work of experienced Tibetan thangka painters.
The atelier is led by Master Tenzin Dhargay, a ninth-generation Tibetan thangka master, and tenth-generation artist Tenzin Kalden, supported by a dedicated team of experienced thangka painters who have worked alongside the family for many years.
The atelier also includes Saila Lama, a Tamang-born Tibetan thangka painter with over 45 years of experience, together with members of his family who support the ongoing work of the atelier. Their presence reflects the collaborative nature of traditional thangka work, where skill, trust, family, and long-term artistic relationships all help sustain the practice.
Together, the atelier continues the traditional process of thangka painting: drawing, composition, color, shading, gold work, fine detailing, and final sacred finishing under the guidance of lineage knowledge.
The goal is to create a stable, respectful, and sustainable environment where Tibetan thangka painting can continue with care.
Meet the lineageWhat we offer
What We Offer
Living Lineage Atelier offers original Tibetan thangka works created through traditional methods, careful iconographic study, and lineage-based artistic training.
Our work includes:
Original hand-painted thangkas
Hand-finished thangka prints with gold detailing
Selected fine thangka prints can be elevated with carefully hand-applied gold accents on small sacred details. This finishing is done slowly in the atelier, often requiring a full day of brushwork, to give each print a more luminous and personal presence.
Select private requests
At this stage, we are focused on building a strong foundation for the atelier and presenting available works carefully. Private requests are considered selectively and can be discussed through the Contact page.
The work continues
Sacred Art, Preserved Through Practice
A thangka is not only decoration. It is a sacred image created for devotion, study, meditation, offering, and blessing.
Every work carries a responsibility: to preserve correct form, meaningful lineage, and the spirit of the tradition.
Living Lineage Atelier exists to help this sacred art continue with dignity for future generations.
Explore the Lineage