The Art of Buddhism: An Introduction to Its History and Meaning

Description

As its teachings spread from the Indian subcontinent in all directions across Asia, Buddhism influenced every culture it touched—from Afghanistan to Korea, from Mongolia to Java. Buddhist art is a radiant reflection of the encounter of the Buddha’s teachings with the diverse civilizations that came under their sway. It is also an intriguing visual record of the evolution of Buddhist practice and philosophy over a period of more than two millennia. More than two hundred photographs provide the visual context for this tour of the world of Buddhist art. Included in the rich variety of forms are architecture and monumental art, statuary, paintings, calligraphy, fresco, brushwork, and textile arts. Denise Leidy’s guide is the perfect introductory text for all those intrigued by this splendid aesthetic tradition. It is also an essential resource for all who seek to understand Buddhist art as teaching. Cover Contents Introduction. Siddhartha/Shakyamuni: His lives and teachings Map 1. Pillars and stupas. 2nd c. BCE to 3rd c. CE 2. The Buddha image. 2nd to 7th c. 3. Caves and caravans. India, Afghanistan, Central Asia, and China 4. China. A new dimension, 6th to 9th c. 5. Korea and Japan. 6th to 9th c. 6. South Asia. Regional styles and changes in religious thought, 8th to 12th c. 7. The Himalayan region. Nepal, Kashmir, Ladakh, and Tibet, 8th to 12th c. 8. Southeast Asia. Diffusion and divergence 9. China under foreign rule. 10th to 14th c. 10. Aristocrats and warriors in Korea and Japan. 10th to 14th c. 11. Early Sino-Tibetan traditions. 12th to 14th c. 12. The Dalai Lamas in Tibet. 16th to 19th c. 13. Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Thailand. 15th to 19th c. 14. Ming, Manchu, and Mongol in China. 15th to 18th c. 15. Revivals in Korea and Japan. 16th to 19th c. Notes Selected bibliography Credits Index