Refuge Field with Machik Labdron (1055-1153)

Artwork Details

Title: Refuge Field with Machik Labdron (1055-1153)

Dimensions: 17 1/4 × 27 in. (estimated)

Medium: Pigments on cloth

Origin: Tibet

Classification(s): paintings

Date: early 20th century

Credit Line: Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art, Gift of Shelley and Donald Rubin

Object number: C2006.66.11

Currently On View: at Frank Museum of Art, traveling exhibition Gateway to Himalayan Art, until December 12, 2024

HAR Number: 223

Published references: *Rhie, Marylin M., and Robert A.F. Thurman. Worlds of Transformation: Tibetan Art and Wisdom of Compassion. New York: Tibet House, 1999. Cat. 196; Pp. 481-484.*Huntington, John, and Dina Bangdel. The Circle of Bliss: Buddhist Meditational Art, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Los Angeles, 2004: no. 33, p. 156* Glenn H. Mullin and Jeff Watt. Female Buddhas: Women of Enlightenment in Tibetan Mystical Art. Santa Fe: Clear Light Publishers, 2003. Pp. 216-218.

Transmission

Concepts

The passing down of authentic Buddhist teachings from a teacher to a disciple or student, often in the form of a text in a ritualistic context.

Ritual

Concepts

Prescribed practices that carry symbolic meaning and value within a specific tradition and are intended to attain a desired outcome. Rituals are usually done as part of a ceremony or regular routine.

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.

Legendary and Historical Humans

Figure Type

Himalayan art includes portraits of legendary and historical humans, including accomplished religious teachers (lamas), the Buddha’s original disciples (arhats), and spiritually accomplished tantric masters (mahasiddhas).

Tibetan Regions

Region

Today, Tibetans primarily inhabit the Tibetan Plateau, situated between the Himalayan mountain range and the Indian subcontinent to the west, Chinese cultural regions to the east, and Mongolian cultural regions to the northeast. During the 7th to 9th century, Tibetan rulers expanded their empire across Central Asia, and established Buddhism as the state religion.