An indispensable introduction to the evolution of Buddhist imagery from its origins in India through its spread to China, Japan, and South Asia
For more than 2,000 years, sublime works of art have been created to embody essential aspects of Buddhist thought, which developed and evolved as its practice spread from India to East Asia and beyond. How to Read Buddhist Art introduces this complex visual tradition to a general audience by examining sixty seminal works. Beginning with the origins of representations of the Buddha in India, and moving on to address the development of Buddhist art as the religion spread across Asia, this book conveys how Buddhist philosophy affected artistic works and practice across cultural boundaries.
Reliquaries, sculptures, and paintings produced in China, the Himalayas, Japan, Korea, and South and Southeast Asia provide insight into the rich iconography of Buddhism, the technical virtuosity of their makers, and the social and political climate in which they were created. Beautiful photographs of the artworks, maps, and a glossary of the major Buddhist deities offer an engaging and informative setting in which readers—regardless of their familiarity with Buddhism—can better understand the art related to the religion’s practices and representations.
Published by The Metropolitan Museum of Art/Distributed by Yale University Press
By:
Kurt A. Behrendt Imprint: Metropolitan Museum of Art Country of Publication: United States Dimensions:
Height: 267mm,
Width: 203mm,
Spine: 13mm
Weight: 672g ISBN:9781588396730 ISBN 10: 1588396738 Series:The Metropolitan Museum of Art - How to Read Pages: 136 Publication Date:07 January 2020 Audience:
General/trade
,
ELT Advanced
Format:Paperback Publisher's Status: Active
Kurt Behrendt is associate curator in the Department of Asian Art at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
