Tibetan artists have played a key role in the cultural life
of Tibet. From designs for painted furniture to elaborate murals in religious
buildings, their efforts have permeated virtually every facet of life on the
Tibetan plateau. The vast majority of surviving artworks created before the
mid-20th century are dedicated to the depiction of religious subjects, for the
most part being distemper on cloth or murals. They were commissioned by
religious establishments or by pious individuals for use within the practice of
Tibetan Buddhism and were manufactured in large workshops by uncredited
artists.
Many sculptures and paintings
were made as aids for Buddhist meditation. The physical image became a base to
support or encourage the presence of the divinity portrayed in the mind of the
worshipper. Images were also commissioned for any number of reasons, including
celebrating a birth, commemorating a death, and encouraging wealth, good
health, or longevity. Buddhists believe that commissioning an image brings merit
for the donor as well as to all conscious beings. Images in temples and in
household shrines also remind lay people that they too can achieve
enlightenment.
Mandala of Jnanadakini ,late 14th century
Tibet (a Sakya monastery)
Distemper on cloth; 33 1/4 x 28 7/8 in. (84.5 x 73.3 cm)
Purchase, Lita Annenberg Hazen Charitable Trust Gift, 1987 (1987.16)
Source from goggle images
Many sculptures and paintings
were made as aids for Buddhist meditation. The physical image became a base to
support or encourage the presence of the divinity portrayed in the mind of the
worshipper. Images were also commissioned for any number of reasons, including celebrating
a birth, commemorating a death, and encouraging wealth, good health, or
longevity.
Roundel with Karma Lineage, 16th century
Tibet
Ivory; H. 3 1/2 in. (8.9 cm)
Purchase, Friends of Asian Art Gifts, 2003 (2003.495)
Source from google images
Source from google images
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