Among the 11 bronze workshops in Palnag village, only two are run by locals. The rest moved to the area in the 1960s from Chamdo prefecture in eastern Tibet, an area famous for its bronzes.

Most artisans in Palnag - including Migmar Losang - were students of the old Chamdo masters.

Chimed Sengge, 85, also from Chamdo, is the master craftsman who taught all the bronze smiths in Daktse county.

He has been in the trade for about 60 years. He learned it from his father and became an independent craftsman at the age of 35. He has trained about 40 of the sculptors, with 16 becoming workshop owners.

"I began my apprenticeship at 13. I learned to make statues using bronze, silver and gold," Chimed Sengge says.

"In the old days, we used zinc welding and tools like scissors and hammers. Today people use oxygen welding, advanced tools and even computers - things that make the job easier, more efficient and innovative."

Chimed Sengge retired in 2003 when he was 75 years old. But he still owns his workshop.

He noted the latest efforts of local authorities in protecting the traditions of his craft.

In 2010, his workshop was included in the autonomous region's list of protected intangible cultural heritage.

"It's crucial that this asset can be passed down to the next generations," says Manlha Tsering, the son of Chimed Sengge.

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Living master of thangka

Protection for unique culture and heritage