Jachung Woodcraft Training Centre  

Training and Production Center for Traditional Tibetan Woodcarving and Furniture Making

Master wood carver and furniture maker Tsering Nyima, who hails from southeastern Tibet , was trained at the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives in Dharamsala , India . Since his certification as a traditional Tibetan wood carver in 1994, he has created altar cabinets, thrones, and intricate three-dimensional wooden mandalas for monasteries in India and Nepal (most notably Korpon and Sherabling monasteries) as well as tables, folding tables, frames, and decorative items for private clients. Not satisfied to keep this precious artistic knowledge to himself, Tsering Nyima has simultaneously dedicated his energies toward building an opportunity for young Tibetans to learn the woodcarving craft.

Jachung Woodcraft Centre was established in 2001 by Tsering Nyima under the guidance of his teacher, Ngawang Chojor, and of Bha Lakha Rinpoche (also known as Lakha Lama, who was born in Tibet but is now based in Denmark and is Chairman of the Danish organization, Tibet Charity). Rinpoche and his wife Pia encouraged Tsering Nyima to offer young unemployed Tibetans an opportunity to improve their own condition while keeping alive one of their culture’s unique artistic traditions. With Rinpoche’s blessings, Jachung Woodcraft Centre was established as a self-sustaining production center with an apprenticeship training program.  Teaching young Tibetans what he has learned, Tsering Nyima produces fine furniture and decorative pieces while the students gradually gain independence in their skills. At the end of a 5-year course, students will have become self-sufficient in creating fine woodcraft of their own and will be able to pass their skills on to others in turn, maintaining the vibrancy of Tibetan traditional culture.

Contact Jachung Woodcraft Centre for all kinds of wooden furniture, carved frames and decorative items, temple furnishings such as altars, thrones, and mandalas, and for their signature folding table.

By e-mail:         bawakelsang@rediffmail.com

By telephone:    +91 941 8097140 (cell phone)

By post:            Jachung Woodcraft Centre

Bir Tibetan Society

P.O. Chougan - 176077

Distt. Kangra, (H.P.), INDIA  

For more information on the apprenticeship program and how you can join or support it, click here