People have now more access to the secrets of Tibetan thangka art after two practitioners of the national intangible cultural heritage set up classes in their homes.

The exquisite artform painted on silk or other cloth has long been a fascinating element of the Tibet autonomous region's culture.

"Thangka skills are passed from fathers to sons, and even though some artists trained non-family apprentices, they only taught them the easy parts," said DanPaRabDan, a thangka master.