The Sacred Art of Tibet: Wisdom and Compassion

by Marilyn M. Rhie, Robert A. Thurman, John Bigelow Taylor

For centuries the priciples of Buddhism have inspired Tibetan artists to create some of the world's most sophisticated, profound and beautiful art. Tangkas, paintings, sculptures and mandalas provide a window on the enlightened realm of pure wisdom, the perfected universe that represents the ultimate goal of Buddhism. This book shows, explains and celebrates 240 Tibetan Buddhist works of art. Spanning a millenium, from the 9th to the 19th centuries, and ranging from tiny ivory carvings to a large-scale tapestry, these pieces are presented in terms of their religious meaning, their purpose and function.

Genres: Art, Buddhism

Hardcover

First published September 1, 2000

Reviews

[Karen Tannenbaum · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intense study by Marilyn M. Rhie and the late A.F. Thurman. The artistic representations are illuminated with intellectual commentary vividly explaining the brilliance of Tibetan Buddhism. Should be included in every Asian Art collection. Spiritually uplifting.

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are like me and really wrathful deity art from the Himalayas...but also find too many art books about that region to be focused on the regular-old Buddhas that are nowhere near as interesting...well, this is for you.