Mongolia
19th century
This large silk appliqué depicts the famous artist, and Mongolia’s first incarnate lama and leader of Mongolian Buddhism, Zanabazar (1635–1723). The small thangka shown above his head depicts his revered teacher, the First Panchen Lama (1567–1662). This appliqué copies a famous painting that still survives in the Zanabazar Museum of Fine Arts in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.Mongolians were well known for their large works of appliqué, examples of which could reach several stories tall. Scraps of multicolored Chinese silk in various patterns were cut to shape and cleverly integrated into this complex rendering. Gold couching (horsehair wrapped in gold thread) and a variety of embroidery stitches were used to delineate the details. Especially distinctive of Mongolian appliqué are tiny seed pearls and small coral beads stitched onto the textile surface.
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A bell is often paired with the vajra and is another implement used in tantric practices and an attribute of tantric masters and deities. It generally symbolizes wisdom, the feminine aspect of enlightenment, and its ring is said to be the sound of emptiness.
A vajra is a ritual scepter used in tantric practices and an attribute of tantric masters and deities. It generally symbolizes method, the male aspect of enlightenment.
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.
The transmission of teachings from one generation to the next, from teacher to student, traced all the way back to the Buddha without interruption. A complete lineage is essential in Tantric Buddhist practices as it makes the blessings of the teaching more powerful.
Buddhists believe identity is not fixed but is variable and dependent on causes and conditions. It is a temporary, transitional, and ever-changing interplay of mental and physical elements.
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).
Mongolians have been widely active in the Tibetan Buddhist world, playing a key role in Tibetan culture, politics, and relations with China. In the 13th century, the Mongol Empire—the largest contiguous empire in world history—facilitated the spread of Tibetan visual culture.
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