Synopses & Reviews
With the spread of Buddhism among Westerners and the controversy over its status, interest in Tibet has never been greater. This mysterious land, now a province of the People's Republic of China, has produced some of the most fascinating and creative art in the world. From silk embroidery and textiles to painting, sculpture, and manuscripts, Tibetan art has striking qualities that set it apart from other Buddhist and Asian art. Robert Fisher takes the reader through the history of Tibetan art, starting from its origins in the early days of the Tibetan kingdom. From a bleak and often inaccessible landscape arose a religious and artistic world so vibrant and sophisticated that even China's emperors commissioned works. The art and spiritual life of the region are inextricably intertwined, and Dr. Fisher explores the distinctive character of that relationship. Careful attention is also given to ritual objects, which comprise some of the most important works of art in Tibetan culture.
Synopsis
Tibet has produced some of the most distinctive and creative art in the world. From a bleak and often inaccessible landscape arose an artistic tradition so vibrant and sophisticated that even China's emperors commissioned works. With the spread of Buddhism in the West, inspired by the leadership of the exiled Dalai Lama, and the controversy over Tibet's political status, interest in this mysterious land has never been greater. The book covers the entire history of Tibetan art, from its tenth century roots to the present, focusing on the inextricably intertwined relationship between the art and the spiritual life of the region. From the Potala in Lhasa--one of the world's greatest religious complexes---to painting, sculpture, manuscripts, silk embroidery and a highly developed tradition of portraiture and ritual objects, Tibet's unique artistic culture is vividly presented in this compelling study. 180 illus.
Synopsis
Tibet has produced some of the most distinctive and creative art in the world, with striking qualities that set it apart from other Buddhist and Asian art.