Honoring Nepal

Audio Tour Itinerary

The Rubin Museum of Art has deep institutional and personal connections with Nepal, its people, traditions, and material culture. As part of the museum’s initiative to Honor Nepal after the devastating effects of the earthquake, Nepalese art expert Gautama Vajracharya narrates this audio itinerary, offering his insight on Nepalese art objects featured throughout the museum.

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The Terrifying One Shiva Bhairava

01. Artwork

Begin with this over-sized mask of Bhairava found near the admissions desk. This type of mask is typically used during festivals.
16th century
Nepal
Gilt copper alloy

H 28 in. x W 27 3/4 in. x D 19 in.


Rubin Museum of Art
C2005.16.14, HAR65436

Torana

02. Artwork

Make your way to the lobby to view our installation, Honoring Nepal.

In the upper left corner of the installation you will find a large, wooden sculpture known as a torana. In Hindu and Buddhist architecture, a torana is considered a type of gateway.
17th century
Nepal
Wood

H 40 3/4 in. x W 76 1/4 in. x D 8 3/4 in.


Rubin Museum of Art
C2010.14, HAR65866

Buddha of the Previous Age Dipamkara

03. Artwork

Below the torana, notice the vibrant colors and exquisite attention to detail in the painting titled "Buddha of the Previous Age."
1853
Nepal
Pigments on cloth

H 44 1/2 in/ x W 34 3/4 in. x D 2 1/4 in.


Rubin Museum of Art
F1997.17.23, HAR100023

Offering Goddess

04. Artwork

This small object has been made using the metal-working technique known as repousse. Artists of Nepal were well-known for their craftsmanship, especially in metal.
13th century
Nepal
Copper; repousse

H 4 3/4 in. x W 4 1.2 in. x D 3/8 in.


Rubin Museum of Art Gift of Shelley and Donald Rubin
C2006.66.637, HAR700059

Rato Macchendranath Temple

05. Artwork

The temple depicted in this painting has sustained significant damage due to the earthquake in Nepal. Here we see a 1950's representation of the temple, which is an excellent example of Nepalese architecture.
1850
Nepal
Pigment on cloth

H 62 3/8 x W 61 1/4 in.


Rubin Museum of Art
C2006.42.2, HAR 89010

Bhairava

06. Artwork

Here we see another example of Bhairava appearing with multiple arms and heads representing the cosmos. This object appears in the exhibition Gateway to Himalayan Art located on the second floor.
14th century
Nepal
Copper alloy with inlays of semiprecious stones

H 10 3/8 in. x W 7 1/4 in. x D 4 1/8 in.


Rubin Museum of Art
C2003.33.1, HAR65256

Ganesha

07. Artwork

One of the most popular gods, Ganesha is known to remove obstacles. Visit the museum to see this object in the 2015 rotation of the exhibition, Gateway to Himalayan Art.
17th century
Nepal
Copper alloy

H 8 7/8 in. x W 6 1/8 in. X D 2 3/4 in.


Rubin Museum of Art
C2004.22.2, HAR65369

Yellow Tara

08. Artwork

Make your way to the third floor. In Masterworks: Jewels of the Collection you will find this large wooden sculpture of Tara depicted like a Newari queen. The Newari were the indigenous peoples of the Kathmandu Valley and highly skilled artists.
17th century
Nepal
Wood with polychrome and gilded repousse

H 24 3/8 in. x W 20 1/2 in. x D 8 3/4 in.


Rubin Museum of Art
C2008.1a-b, HAR65821

Durga Killing the Buffalo Demon

09. Artwork

Durga is a popular god often depicted in Nepal and one of the Museum's beloved pieces. This small sculpture demonstrates the high aesthetic quality of work produced by Newari artists and is a masterpiece of the collection.
13th century
Nepal
Gilt copper alloy

H 10 7/8 x W 13 1/8 x D 7 1/2 in.


Rubin Museum of Art
C2005.16.11, HAR65433

Vajradhara

10. Artwork

Visit Art with Benefits on the fourth floor, and find this large example of Vajradhara.
14th century
Nepal
Gilt copper alloy

H 18 in. x W 12 in. x D 7 1/4 in.


Rubin Museum of Art
C2005.16.9, HAR65431

Nepal Earthquake Relief

11. Ways to Support

There are many more Nepalese artworks through out the Museum which are tagged with #HonorNepal on their labels. Please continue your exploration and if you have questions, don't hesitate to stop one of our Visitor Experience associates.

If you're wondering how you can help after the aftermath of the earthquake in Nepal, view our list of vetted organizations seeking support here.
Recommended Ways to Support
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