Art of Tibet

World of Art

by Robert E. Fisher

With the spread of Buddhism among Westerners and the controversy over its status, interest in Tibet has never been greater. This mysterious land, now a province of the People's Republic of China, has produced some of the most fascinating and creative art in the world. From silk embroidery and textiles to painting, sculpture, and manuscripts, Tibetan art has striking qualities that set it apart from other Buddhist and Asian art. Robert Fisher takes the reader through the history of Tibetan art, starting from its origins in the early days of the Tibetan kingdom. From a bleak and often inaccessible landscape arose a religious and artistic world so vibrant and sophisticated that even China's emperors commissioned works. The art and spiritual life of the region are inextricably intertwined, and Dr. Fisher explores the distinctive character of that relationship. Careful attention is also given to ritual objects, which comprise some of the most important works of art in Tibetan culture.

Genres: Art, History, Nonfiction, Buddhism, Cultural, Art History, Asia

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 26, 1998

Reviews

[Nick · Rating 3 out of 5]

The image of Tibet, standing alone at the top of the world until the arrival of the Chinese, is a romantic illusion, as Fisher shows. For one, the belief system, Buddhism, is imported, although in retains bits of the native religion Bon. Tibet's traditional art, entwined with the local version of Buddhism, shows the influence of the trade routes, from northeastern Indian (until the Moghuls invaded and cut that link), Nepal, China and, especially, the Mongols who periodically ruled China. The breadth of that art ranges from the peaceful meditational Buddhas and arhats (enlightened beings who in the course of time assumed the role of intercessor, like Western saints) to the fierce goddesses who wear skulls from their belts (they are destroyers of illusion). The cultural context for all of this is challenging and Fisher doesn't delve into that much, although it helps to know that, as in other areas, Buddhism was dependent for its rapid growth on royal favor, and that the first attempt at a foothold in Tibet failed. The title of Dalai Lama was originally bestowed by a Mongol khan, elevating his order above the other three. Such is the paradox of Buddhism throughout Asia: the system of thought that began with meditation and enlightenment spread across the continent thanks to the favor of Indian, Japanese, Mongol, Tibetan and Thai emperors and kings.

[Kyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good descriptions of iconography, great pictures.