Pho Chhu - Punakha Dzong

The Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu are the two sacred rivers that meet in the valley of Punakha, just after flowing past either side of the majestic Punakha Dzong. The Mo Chhu, or “Female River,” flows from the northern glaciers, and the Pho Chhu, or “Male River,” descends from the eastern highlands. Their confluence embodies the union of feminine and masculine energies in Bhutan; a symbol of harmony, reciprocity, and the timeless balance between gentleness and strength.

The naming of these rivers reflects broader animistic beliefs in Bhutan, where rivers are not just geographical features but sentient entities - treated with reverence and viewed as instrumental in maintaining harmony between humans and the landscape. In Bhutanese folklore, rivers, springs, and seeps are believed to safeguard valleys and bestow prosperity, protecting fertile lowlands from misfortune if properly treated through rituals, but unleashing ailments or floods if disrespected, such as by pollution.

This symbolism demonstrates a relational cosmology where the dynamic forces of rivers are integrated into Vajrayana Buddhist practices - in this case through deities connected to rivers.

The Pho Chhu river is attributed with being a particular turbulent and wild river - leaving a significant imprint on the landscape as it winds through the Punakha Valley after originating from glaciers and glacial lakes in the Lunana region, close to the Tibetan border.


Specifications

• Approximate dimensions: 99x77x8cm
• Surface: recycled denim canvas on reclaimed wood, block in reclaimed frake noir wood
• Medium: variety of ochres and local rocks & minerals
• Origin pigments: Pho Chhu river, Punakha Dzong and wider Punakha Valley, Bhutan & ochres from Buddhist Art Gallery, Thimpu

As always, this Earth Painting was produced via an all-natural process with personally locally sourced pigments, with great respect for nature itself. To learn more about our sourcing process, click here.

Displaying your Earth Painting
When deciding where to display your Earth Painting: seek the light. The natural pigments respond beautifully to shifting light conditions. Morning light offers a crisp, soft glow; evening light brings out the warmth and depth of the pigments. You may therefore notice that the Earth Painting appears in a different 'colour'. Take your time to find a place where you can observe the interplay of light and shadow on the Earth Painting - a place where its textures and colours don’t fall flat.

Shipping policy - please read
This Earth Painting is much larger than standard shipping allows. It will be shipped to you in a custom-made wooden crate for protection. Due to fluctuating international shipping and carrier costs, the correct shipping cost will not be automatically calculated at checkout. 

Please check out as normal. We will contact you personally after completing the purchase to discuss the safest and most suitable shipping option of your preference and arrange payment of the additional costs with you. Once everything is settled to the satisfaction of both parties, your Earth Painting will be dispatched to you.

Find further information and our full shipping policy here

Questions and contact
If you’re uncertain about your intended purchase or if you have any questions, please reach out to us via elise@elisecrutzen.com