12/6/2023 0 Comments Unity in art![]() Marichi, the Goddess of the Dawn, depicted in this sculpture, is most commonly portrayed in a chariot of the sun pulled by seven pigs, removing obstacles with her radiant light. Motifs like those in the image above emphasize Buddhism’s everlasting connection to nature. Nature Motifs in Himalayan Art Goddess of the Dawn, Marichi Mongolia late 17th or early 18th century gilt copper alloy with pigments C2005.16.26 (HAR 65449) When a natural disaster occurs in Tibet, the local populace attributes it angered deities. The disproportionate scale of these topographical contours to Kula Khari, his yak, and the architecture behind him conveys the sense of a remote temple in the mountains. The artist who created this sculpture emphasized this environment by cleverly using simple, pointed, staggered forms around Kula Khari to indicate the surrounding mountains. Here the god rides a yak, highlighting the unique landscape of the mountainous Himalayan terrain. Locals would pray to this protector god to prevent natural disasters. This sculpture features Kula Khari, protector of a mountain known as Lodrak, which is located south of Lhasa near the Bhutanese border. Kula Khari, Protector of Lodrak Tibet 19th century painted terracotta Rubin Museum of Art C2002.7.3 (HAR 6507) ![]() The Nepalese remain dependent on the annual monsoon rainfalls, which are growing increasingly erratic due to climate change. Indra is from the ancient Indian Vedic tradition, which was influenced by a largely agricultural society and is still practiced in Nepal to this day. In this sculpture of Indra, the Hindu king of the gods, you’ll notice an intricate cloud motif on his crown. Gods Who Control the Earth and Skies Indra Nepal 16th century gilt copper alloy Rubin Museum of Art C2005.16.44 (HAR 65467)Ĭlouds hold a special significance in Nepal because of their association with the life-bringing monsoon rains. If these forces weren’t properly respected, the deities would strike back with the power of nature.īelow you’ll find examples from our art collection exploring the connections between cause, effect, and nature, providing an inspirational model for thinking about our relationship with our struggling planet. Traditionally, Himalayan cultures have had strong connections to their environment, personifying mountains and lakes as gods and goddesses. Karma plays a huge role in the art featured in the Rubin Museum’s collection of art from the Himalayan region. While karma is often thought of on a personal level, the world is beginning to feel the collective karma of our actions as the threat of a climate crisis becomes very real. The word karma defines this cause and effect that we experience in our lives. We see it in the little things, like heating water to a boil, as well as large-scale events, such as global warming and climate change. We all knows that actions have consequences.
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