The Ephemeral Butter Art of Tibetan Buddhism – Gastro Obscura

IN MANY CULTURES, SCULPTED BUTTER is an artistic medium, whether as a banquet-hall spectacle or an exhibit at the county fair. But for Tibetan Buddhist monks and laity, artistic butter designs, known as torma or tsepdro, take on a spiritual role.Traditionally made using yak butter mixed with barley flour and coloring, the symbols are either formed on flat boards or made into freestanding sculptures. Since butter is both soft and meltable, makers need delicate hands and cold rooms. They also soak their hands in icy water to keep meltage to a minimum.

Source: The Ephemeral Butter Art of Tibetan Buddhism – Gastro Obscura