Wisdom and Compassion: The Sacred Art of Tibet

by Marylin M. Rhie, Robert A.F. Thurman

Acclaimed as the most important book ever published on Tibetan painting and sculpture, Wisdom and Compassion illustrates, explains, and celebrates 241 of the finest examples of Tibetan sacred art of the 9th to 12th centuries. Renowned experts Marylin M. Rhie and Robert A. F. Thurman offer insights into the religious meaning and use of tangkas, Buddhist iconography, and the aesthetics of tangka paintings, sculptures, and mandalas. 353 illustrations, 338 in full color, 87/8 x 113/4"

Genres: Art, Buddhism

488 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2000

About the author

Marylin Martin Rhie, Ph.D. (Chinese Buddhist Art, University of Chicago, 1970; M.A., U. Chicago, 1965), was Jessie Wells Post Professor of Art and Professor of East Asian Studies at Smith College.

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.

[Mikey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provided a fascinating insight into the art, history, and culture of Tibetan Buddhism. It could verge on the exhaustive however, with drawn out and flowery descriptions of each piece of art. A more succinct presentation would have let the art shine more. I also would have preferred something more objective as it came across like a lot of the history covered was quite filtered and positioned to always put Buddhism in the best light. Overall though I liked it. In addition to the more standard fare of peaceful buddhas the art itself featured a surprising amount of scenes depicting the trampling of bodies, copulation, and the wearing of severed human head necklaces - the religious significance of which was explained by the authors who provided a guided tour to the pieces. An interesting and well researched book on this somewhat niche topic.

[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.

[T60n3 · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you can get your hands on only one book about t\Tibetan art, this is it.