Reading Buddhist Art
Subtitle: An Illustrated Guide to Buddhist Signs and Symbols
Publisher: Thames & Hudson
Published: October 2002
Language: eng
Format: Hardcover
Number of pages: 216
ISBN-13: 9780500510896
Subjects: Subjects & Themes - Religious; History - General; Buddhism; Religion And Art; Art & Art Instruction; Art; Criticism; ASIA; Oriental art; Religious subjects depicted in art; Buddhism - General; Buddhist art and symbolism
Description: Buddhism has a history of over 2,500 years, and its arts have existed for almost as long, weaving their way with monks and pilgrims through broad areas of Asia and across seas, intermingling with the arts and styles of indigenous cultures. Not surprisingly, the teachings and imagery of this international religion are vast and complex, and the task of deciphering Buddhist symbolism can seem as challenging as the search for enlightenment itself. All the principal symbols, objects, and figures of Buddhist worship are gathered here in a rich, informative, and easy-to-use book that will serve equally well as an art-lover's reference tool and as an introduction to the principles of the religion. Photographs and two-color line drawings and maps accompany the explanatory texts. With a comprehensive glossary of key Buddhist terms and a well-researched bibliography, this book will prove indispensable to anyone with an interest in Buddhism and its arts. -- Publisher.