Avalokiteshvara Enshrined in a Temple

Artwork Details

Title: Avalokiteshvara Enshrined in a Temple

Dimensions: 63 1/2 × 57 5/8 in. (estimated)

Medium: Pigments on cloth

Origin: Nepal

Classification(s): paintings scroll painting

Date: Dated by inscription, 1850

Credit Line: Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art

Object number: C2006.42.2

HAR Number: 89010

Published references: * Sotheby's, The Jucker Collection of Himalayan Paintings. New York: March 28, 2006. Lot 39* Hugo E. Kreijger, Kathmandu Valley Painting, The Jucker Collection, (Boston, 1999), p. 86, no. 30* Raguin, Virginia Chieffo, Dina Bangdel, and F. E. Peters. Pilgrimage and Faith: Buddhism, Christianity and Islam. Chicago: Serindia Publications, 2010. Print. Figure 26, p. 81.* Vajracarya, Gautamavajra. Nepalese Seasons: Rain and Ritual. New York: Rubin Museum of Art, 2016. Cat 33, cat 33A-M: pp. 68, 110-114, 193, fn. 199-201.*Slusser, Mary Shepherd. Nepal Mandala: A Cultrual Study of the Kathmandy Valley, Voume 2. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 1982. pp 367-379, plate 593

Merit

Concepts

In Buddhism merit is accumulated through engaging in positive actions that lead to positive results, such as better rebirths. Buddhists gain merit by making offerings, donating to those in need, reciting mantras, and other good deeds.

Devotion

Concepts

A virtuous feeling and deep respect toward an authentic teaching, teacher, or path. Buddhists believe that expansive study, analysis, and meditation are essential steps for cultivating a healthy and enduring devotion.

Bodhisattvas

Figure Type

Beings who aspire to become fully awakened like the Buddha and are dedicated to helping others on the path to enlightenment.

Nepalese Regions

Region

The Himalayan kingdoms of the Kathmandu Valley were significant centers of Buddhist culture. Nepalese kings, Buddhist institutions, and ordinary people patronized the vibrant art guilds. The artistic traditions of the regions are well-known in Tibetan areas and beyond, and Newar artists have always been in high demand throughout Tibetan regions and Inner Asia.

Artwork Details

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