The tradition of Bhutanese organic dyeing is gradually disappearing. But master dyer, Kencho Dekar, is working with the Robert Cripps Institute for Cultural Conservation at the University of Melbourne to preserve the vibrant colours and stories in Bhutanese textiles.

The Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan has received a donation of an eight-foot Medicine Buddha (Sangye Menla) thangka painting, created entirely with organic, plant-based dyes by master traditional dyer Mr Kencho Dekar.

The kuthang was officially presented to the Academy on 28 August 2025.

The creation of the work was made possible through pioneering research Mr Dekar conducted in 2024–2025 in collaboration with the Robert Cripps Institute for Cultural Conservation at the University of Melbourne.

A full-time dyer since his youth, inspired by his father, Mr Dekar has dedicated his life to preserving and revitalising the ancient art of natural dyeing.

His research uncovered a wide palette of colours sourced from Bhutan’s diverse landscapes, including indigo from Chaskhar, Mongar; Rheum australe from Gangkhar Phunsum for yellow; lac from Chaskhar for purple, dark red and pink; madder for orange; and rockstone from Khelakha, Wangduephodrang for white.

“I am honoured to donate this kuthang to the Royal Textile Academy as a symbol of culture, collaboration and gratitude.”

The piece was hand-painted by Mr Pema Loday, a graduate of the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, using the sustainable dyes produced by Mr Dekar.

Mr Dekar’s work has gained international recognition, including fellowships and collaborations with the University of Melbourne’s Grimwade Centre for Cultural Materials Conservatio and the Robert Cripps Institute for Cultural Conservation.

He has delivered lectures, run workshops, and written academic papers, as well as presenting the keynote address at the 2024 AICCM Textile Conservation Symposium at the National Gallery of Victoria.

The Royal Textile Academy said the donation represents not only a significant cultural gift but also a powerful example of how traditional knowledge and international research collaboration can sustain heritage practices for future generations.

Learn more about Mr Dekar’s work on Pursuit.