Cultures and Religions of the Himalayan Region

Mei-wang Shao
Shady Side Academy, Pittsburgh
Tibet Unit

Geography

History

Religion

Art

Social Structure& PEOPLE'S LIVES

COMPREHENSION

 

 

 

Image of the Bodhisattvas

The Potala Palace

 

 

4. ART:

Tibetan art is heavily influenced by Buddhism. Buddhist paintings, sculptures and ritual objects have permeated the religious and cultural life of the Tibetan people. In Tibet one sees stupas, temples, images of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and the Vajrayana pantheon, and Thangka paintings everywhere. Tibetan artists created these beautiful pieces of art out of their pious and sincere faith in Buddhism. Their tremendous efforts and special skills have made Tibetan art a jewel in the history of world art. In order to have a complete understanding of the richness of Tibetan art, one should read " Art of Tibet" written by Robert E. Fisher. The book contains 180 illustrations, 93 in color. The texts and pictures will be of great use in classroom teaching. A field trip to the Newark Museum which has a good collection of Tibetan art exhibits including a newly-built Tibetan style altar is very educational and exciting. The Karmapa Tibetan Monastery in Woodstock, NY will also give one a whole picture of the impressive and fascinating nature of Tibetan art.