Masterworks: A Journey through Himalayan Art traces the history of Tibetan art in relation to surrounding cultures across the Himalayas and beyond. Following the arrival of Buddhism in Tibet in the seventh century, Tibetans looked to Indic cultures for artistic inspiration.
After the decline of Buddhism in India beginning in the twelfth century, they gradually shifted focus, first toward Nepal and then toward Chinese and Mongolian cultures. This exhibition is arranged geographically and chronologically according to terms defined by a long tradition of indigenous Tibetan connoisseurship. Juxtaposing the art of Himalayan regions over time sheds light on the geographic, historical, religious, and artistic interrelationships among these cultures. Himalayan art is a relatively young field of study, so our understanding is constantly evolving as artworks and texts come to light. Each iteration of Masterworks reflects these exciting developments.
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Curated by Karl Debreczeny.
TKTK From the 8th to 13th century, Kashmir was a renowned center of Buddhist learning, arts, and culture. This fertile valley was a major source of artistic production for the western Himalayan kingdoms, which spanned parts of northern India and the Ngari region of western Tibet.
TKTK 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.
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