Larger than life-size lama seated on golden throne before followers, altar, and wrathful deity
Project Himalayan Art 108 Object EssaysGreat Tibetan Patron and Designer of Buddhist Art in Kham
Portrait of Situ Panchen
Pelpung Monastery, Derge, Kham region, eastern Tibet; ca. 1760s
Golden-copper statue depicting wrathful crowned bodhisattva crouching in dynamic pose, holding vajra in outstretched left hand
Project Himalayan Art 108 Object EssaysThe Statuary of Dolonnuur, Inner Mongolia, and Its Impact across the Tibetan Buddhist World
Vajrapani
Dolonnuur, Inner Mongolia; mid-18th century
Detail of mural depicting landscape populated by dozens of figures engaged in various activities and poses
Project Himalayan Art 108 Object EssaysIllustrating the Dzogchen Teachings through Murals
Lukhang Murals
Lhasa, U region, central Tibet (present-day TAR, China); ca. 1700 and later
Three-tiered religious implement with side panels opened to reveal interior niches, symbols, and decoration
Project Himalayan Art 108 Object EssaysDevotion in Motion, Featuring a National Treasure of Bhutan
Portable Shrine (Tashi Gomang)
Bhutan; 18th–19th century
Figure at right gazes through tendrils of yellow, pink, and blue vapor at blue deity supported by cloud
Project Himalayan Art 108 Object Essays

Cultural Translation of a Tantric Visualization Practice

The All-Knowing Buddha Vairochana Visualization Album
Wangzimiao Temple, Aokhan Banner, Inner Mongolia; ca. 18th–19th century
Three vertical rectangular panels combine to depict building complex and figures within mountain setting
Project Himalayan Art 108 Object Essays

Tibetan Divination

The White Beryl Illuminated Manuscript
Sakya Monastery, Tsang region, central Tibet; 18th century
Golden relief on copper plaque depicting stupa and deity behind horse-drawn chariot carrying two figures
Project Himalayan Art 108 Object Essays

Icons Marking the Communal Performance of Buddhist Rituals

Plaque Commemorating the Bhimaratha Old Age Ritual
Kathmandu, Nepal; November 1775
Hovering above mountainous landscape, four roundels inset with portraits surround central image of saffron-robed figure
Project Himalayan Art 108 Object Essays

Tibetan Buddhism at the Qing Court

The Qianlong Emperor as Manjushri-Chakravartin
Imperial workshop in Beijing, China, with face by Giuseppe Castiglione; mid-18th century 
Side-by-side depictions of robed figure amid landscape and figures in roundels: at left, black and white outline of image; at right, full color
Project Himalayan Art 108 Object EssaysAbounding Visions of Eminent Lives
Nartang Woodblock Prints and Their Painted Copies: Previous Lives of the Panchen Lamas
Nartang printing house, Tsang region, central Tibet; second quarter of 18th century (and a painted copy)

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