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)

Sign up for our emails

Get the latest news and stories from the Rubin, plus occasional information on how to support our work.

Discover artworks, articles, and more by typing a search term above, selecting a term below, or exploring common concepts in Himalayan art.