Tibetan Painting occupies prominent place in the Art Traditions of that country. Painting in Tibet is entirely a Religious art and has been developed and continued by wandering Monk artists. It is still a living Tradition and even today Tibetan artists are producing colourful religious Thankas on the models laid down by their masters.
The present monograph aims at presenting a connected History of the origin and development of Tibetan pictorial art as well as a critical and appreciative Study of some specimens from various collections. Tibetan art closely follows Indian art which was first introduced to Tibet through old trade routes and subsequently reinforced by the Buddhist Missionaries who carried with them Images of the Buddha and Principal Bodhisattvas, since the 7th Century A.D. The history of this influence has been authentically reconstructed. The learned author has also discovered the Influence of other neighbouring Countries in central and Eastern Asia on the are traditions of Tibet. One can know from this book the distinction between the Shigatse and the Dorge traditions. The peculiarities of styles in different regional Schools have been taken notice of. The method of outlines, adapted by the monk artists in painting the Thankas, has been scientifically described and analyzed.
Another interesting aspect of the work is a thorough comparison between the Tibetan pictorial art and Russian incon-paintings which have surprising similarities in the process as well as in the composition The work throws valuable light on every important aspect of the Tibetan painting, viz. designs, ornamentations the Mudras and Asanas and Identification of the host of divinities.
The work is Illustrated with representative collection of Thankas. |
