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About our Paintings:
At Choki we showcase the most sacred traditional paintings from the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan, as well as Northern India and Tibet. Dedicated to protecting sacred arts, history and spiritual insight, CHOKI is sharing this beauty for the benefit of humanity.
The Bhutanese representative art forms in the paintings contain spiritual traditions and sacred teachings such as Sacred Deities and Ancient Mandalas, which incarnate the stories of Buddha and spiritual conquest of the self. Many of the artworks were brought to life from alumni of the CHOKI Traditional Art School in Bhutan, where young people live and train in traditional art techniques. The paintings are painstakingly created by individual artists, many taking up to fourteen months to complete. One incredible piece, “One Thousand Buddhas,” is an 8×8-foot painting with each brush stroke composed in meditation. Works of art such as this are for the benefit of all humanity fortunate enough to view such a masterpiece.
We are literally bringing historical sketches from ancient texts to life” says Casey Hartnett, founder of CHOKI.
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Student preparing the canvas.
Incredible attention to detail.
Up to 14 months of work per piece.
About our Scarves:
The weaving community from Bhutan preserves one of the most advanced and sophisticated weaving cultures in the history of civilization. Bhutanese textiles are the highest form of traditional art and spiritual expression from a culture of ever smiling people and scenic monasteries. By utilizing Bhutanese back strap looms, the culture of textiles have been integral to Bhutan’s heritage for centuries. Its quality of intricate brocades and complex patterns are among the best in the world.
CHOKI textiles are 100% handmade using unique dying and weaving techniques. CHOKI supports the knowledge and skills that have been passed down through generations with 100% of sales proceeds supporting the CHOKI Women’s Cooperative.
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About our Wood Carvings:
Bhutanese wood carving is one of the most intricate types of art in the world. Traditionally, fathers and mothers have been passing the techniques down to their children for centuries. In Bhutan wood carvings are seen in many forms all throughout the region. Carved wooden masks of various shapes and sizes are used in religious dances and decorations are found engraved on houses, Dzongs, palaces, temples and monasteries.
Wooden symbols adorn altars, containers, sheaths or scabbards and handles for knives and swords. Today, Choki works to maintain alive the ancient techniques and traditions by supporting the highly skilled Bhutanese wood carvers.
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Beginner student carving big shapes.
Carving detailed figures.
Painting applied to the wood pieces.