Artwork Details

Title
Golden Boxwood Prayer Beads
Dimensions
28 3/4 × 2 5/8 × 5/8 in.
Medium
Golden boxwood, rosewood, coral and metal
Origin
Mongolia
Classification(s)
ritual objects
Date
early 20th century
Credit Line
Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art, Gift of Anne Breckenridge Dorsey
Object number
C2018.2.1
Published references
* Arts of Asia, 34 no. 4 (July-August, 2004) "Prayer Beads: In Asian Buddhist Cultures" by Anne Breckenridge Dorsey. Fig 30.

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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.

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Meditation

Concepts

A contemplative practice in which a person uses concentration and visualization to achieve aims such as transforming the mind and generating feelings of compassion. Techniques include focusing on breathing or visualizing oneself as a deity.

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Mongolian Regions

Region

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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