Gesang Ciruo｜Tashilhunpo Monastery Painter｜Zidong Thangka Inheritor

【Artist Introduction】

Training: Began training at age 15 under Master Taje

Career: Over 18 years of professional Thangka practice, graduated in 2016

Status: Official painter-monk of Tashilhunpo Monastery

Heritage: Representative inheritor of Zidong Thangka (Menri School) intangible cultural heritage

【Monastic Distinction】

Tashilhunpo Monastery: Traditional seat of Panchen Lamas, one of Six Great Monasteries of Gelugpa tradition

Official Role: Only artist entrusted to create and restore monastery's large-scale murals

Artistic Achievement: Works embody grandeur and solemnity of Gelugpa art

【Selected Honors and Achievements】

2006: Began formal apprenticeship under Master Taje

2016: Maitreya Buddha selected for 3rd China Thangka Art Festival Exhibition

2019: The Three Masters and Disciples won Excellence Award at 5th "Wish-Fulfilling" Tibet Fine Thangka Exhibition

2021: Siba Huo won Excellence Award at 7th "Wish-Fulfilling" Tibet Fine Thangka Exhibition

2022: Core Socialist Values awarded 2nd Prize at Shigatse New-Themed Thangka Exhibition

2023: Qumi Dharma Assembly commissioned and collected by Shigatse Museum

2024: Won Gold Prize at 1st "Gongqiao Cup" Arts & Crafts Competition of Tibet Autonomous Region

Honor: Created monumental exterior murals of Tashilhunpo Monastery; works collected by National Museum of China

【Artistic Significance】

• Works collected by National Museum of China and regional museums

• Combines deep spiritual discipline with mastery of Buddhist iconography

• Creating murals for Tashilhunpo Monastery considered highest honor for Thangka artist

【Professional Standing】

Religious Status: Official painter-monk of Tashilhunpo Monastery, highest Gelugpa institution

Artistic Achievement: Works combine traditional religious solemnity with contemporary artistic value

Heritage Contribution: Representative inheritor of Zidong Thangka (Menri School) tradition