Kelzang Textiles

Bhutan | Kishuthara Weaving

Kelzang Textiles is led by master weaver Kezang Wangmo, whose work stems from a lifetime spent weaving in eastern Bhutan. She began learning the craft at the age of nine in her home village of Khoma in Lhuntse, a region known for kishuthara, one of Bhutan’s most technically demanding ceremonial textiles. What began as a family skill became her profession, and in 1995, she established Kelzang Handicraft in Thimphu.

Today, Kelzang works with 70 to 100 women weavers across Bhutan, most of whom are based in rural villages where weaving provides essential income. Kezang designs each textile and remains closely involved throughout the process, working with her family on natural dyeing and supporting weavers as pieces move slowly from loom to finished cloth. Depending on complexity, a single textile can take weeks or many months to complete.

The work is made on traditional backstrap looms using techniques such as trima, a Bhutanese method that creates raised supplementary motifs visible on one side of the fabric. Designs draw from nature and Buddhist symbolism, including protective signs, animals, flowers, and geometric forms. Many motifs are inspired by antique textiles that Kezang studies and adapts with care, balancing tradition and change.

Kelzang Textiles places strong emphasis on natural fibers and dyes, including handspun cotton, nettle, and silk. Dyes are prepared from indigo, walnut husk, madder, lac, onion skin, rhododendron, and other locally sourced plants. Materials are used carefully, and smaller items are made from remnants to reduce waste.

Beyond production, Kezang is committed to passing on skills. She teaches weaving and tie-dye techniques to young people and to 148 autistic and special needs students through a local art school.

As her practice approaches three decades, Kezang is developing a weaving center in Thimphu to support training, collaboration, and the next generation of Bhutanese women weavers.