Publisher's Synopsis
Tibetan Art and Artifacts is a survey of the field. It is an introduction to the subject that makes it accessible to the lay person. Over a period of 1300 years Tibetan artists and crafts people have instilled beautiful objects with tenets of the Buddhist religion of the country. Through the study of these objects one can appreciate the many contributions Tibetans have made to world civilization.
The book highlights 47 objects. Each object is photographed. There is a commentary for each item that describes the philosophy behind the creation of the object.
There is an essay entitled "The Role of Art in Tibetan Buddhist Meditation." The essay seeks to show that an object can be both beautiful and serve as a means to enter into a state of mind that promotes insight and consciousness.
The art and artifacts that are covered include thangkas (scroll paintings), sculptures of Buddhist deities and Buddhist lamas, Buddhist ritual objects, medical instruments, equestrian objects, teapots, household objects, and textiles.
