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Wednesday, 20 August 2014

Tibetan Buddhist Art

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

Different examples of Tibet Buddhist Arts
Source from google images



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