Artwork Page for Iconographic Sketchbook

Details / Information for Iconographic Sketchbook

Iconographic Sketchbook

c. 1500

Tibet

View all records in artwork set
Medium
ink and watercolor on cotton
Measurements
Overall: 20.3 x 12.7 cm (8 x 5 in.)
Credit Line
Delia E. Holden Fund 1985.191
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
Print
?

Did You Know?

Tibetan thangka painters referred to sketchbooks with drawings that delineate the iconographies—appearance and identifying attributes—of Buddhist figures.

Description

These rare surviving pages of a practice book have drawings of prominent tantric figures. The line drawing is confident and masterful, with each iconographic element rendered with clarity and precision. The svelte proportions of the figures follow the style of the Khyenri school initiated in the second half of the 15th century by the artist Khyentse Wangchuk (about 1420-1500), known for his elegant and energetic depictions of the fierce manifestations of the enlightened beings.
A horizontally oriented drawing on two strips of frayed, off-white cotton depicts four panels each. Fine black outlines and muted colors define deities in various poses. In one scene, a multi-armed, blue-skinned deity embraces a consort with a light skin tone. Other panels show a seated Buddha and standing figures with multiple limbs. Small areas of black script appear above several figures.

Iconographic Sketchbook

c. 1500

Tibet

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork