Bhutan revels in its interesting arts and architecture. It is one of the kingdom’s most visible distinctive features. From normal houses to stately public structures like Dzongs, all the architecture structures are strictly based on the unique architectural designs of Bhutan. They are highly decorative and ornamental. The traditional Bhutanese architecture has no nails or iron bars.
Bhutanese architectural grandeur is exhibited in the form of Dzongs, monasteries, temples, chortens (stupas) and traditional Bhutanese houses. The Dzong architecture is one of the most elegant and harmonious in the world. The genius of Bhutanese art is best expressed in frescoes and paintings. Bhutan’s thangkas and mandalas depict an artistic skill and a rare exquisite fineness. The mandala or mystic circle represents the Buddhist concept of cosmogony of the universe. The statues are made of wood, stones, bronze, coral, pearl and other expensive materials, which depict fine craftsmanship of the Bhutanese artists.
The contemplation and visualization of colours and patterns in art and craft is considered an integral part of worship and spiritual practice. The art of Zorig Chusum or the thirteen arts and crafts of Bhutan remains very much alive today. There are two institutes of zorig chusum where these traditional arts and crafts are being taught today, one in capital Thimphu and other in Trashiyangtse in eastern Bhutan.