Buddhist protection amulets are deeply rooted in spiritual traditions across Asia, especially in countries like Thailand, Tibet and Nepal. These sacred objects are believed to offer protection, attract good fortune and connect the wearer with enlightened energies.A two-sided amulet with a red cord for wearing. The front features a portrait of the 16th Karmapa, the spiritual leader of the Karma Kagyu lineage in Tibetan Buddhism, in ceremonial robes and a distinctive hat. The reverse side features the image of a wrathful deity Mahakala. The rim of the amulet is shaded in gold.worship device, tibetan buddhism

In Tibetan Buddhism a "dorje" (also known as "vajra" in Sanskrit) symbolizes the indestructible nature of reality, spiritual power, and enlightenment, often depicted as a thunderbolt or diamond scepter, representing the ability to cut through illusion and achieve ultimate wisdom; it is a key ritual object in the Vajrayana school of Tibetan Buddhism, signifying the union of compassion and wisdom through its male principle association when used with a bell (female principle). The Double Dorje (Vishvavajra), is a powerful Buddhist symbol. It consists of two crossed vajras (dorjes) and represents the foundation of the physical world. The Double Dorje is often associated with stability and protection, symbolizing the indestructible nature of the universe. This double dorje is a cross of two dorjes, which look like a small scepter with multiple prongs at each end.tibetan buddhism, holy objects, worship devices

The Shakyamuni Buddha statue holds profound significance in Buddhism, representing the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, who lived around 2,500 years ago. The statue portrays Shakyamuni Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, who attained enlightenment and shared his teachings to help others achieve the same. For practitioners, the Shakyamuni Buddha statue serves as a focal point during meditation, promoting mindfulness, peace, and a deeper connection to the Buddha's teachings. The Buddha is depicted seating in meditation on a lotus throne. His legs are crossed in the lotus position. His right hand is holding an alms bowl, signifying care and compassion for all beings. His left hand touches the ground in a gesture (bhumisparsha mudra) calling the earth to witness his determination to achieve enlightenment.buddhist art, tibetan buddhism, holy objects, statues

Representing the original Indian pandits (Hindu scholars) who brought Buddhism to Tibet; used in the Cham Dances performed by monks during the Monlam Prayer Festival. A solid wood mask carved in a Tibetan styletibetan buddhism, worship devices, rituals

Amitayus, also called Amitabha, is the Buddha of Infinite Light, associated with longevity. He is holding in his hands a vessel containing the nectar of immortality. Amitayus is considered one of the Five Dhyani Buddhas in Mahayana Buddhism. Amitayus Buddha statue, wearing jewelled ornaments of a peaceful heavenly god according to the classical Indian system of divine aesthetics. tibetan buddhism, holy objects, buddhist art, statues

Thangkas are cloth scrolls unique to Tibetan Buddhism, depicting deities, venerated spiritual figures, or religious symbols. Intended for personal meditation or instruction of monastic students, they are invested with the spirit of a deity to whom they are consecrated. The design of a thangka allows it to be rolled up for easy transport, a feature that was essential for traveling monks and practitioners in nomadic regions. The Shakyamuni Buddha thangkas serve as potent aids for cultivating compassion and awareness, offering inspiration and spiritual guidance to practitioners. The Buddha's path to enlightenment and subsequent teachings form the foundation of Buddhist philosophy. This thangka features an image of the Buddha in a meditative pose, holding an alms bowl in his lap. Framed by rich red textiles and surrounded by vibrant floral and cloud motifs, it is mounted on wooden dowels and topped with a yellow cover cloth.buddhist art, tibetan buddhism, holy objects

Thangkas are cloth scrolls unique to Tibetan Buddhism, depicting deities, venerated spiritual figures, or religious symbols. Intended for personal meditation or instruction of monastic students, they are invested with the spirit of a deity to whom they are consecrated. The design of a thangka allows it to be rolled up for easy transport, a feature that was essential for traveling monks and practitioners in nomadic regions. Padmasambhava thangkas are used to invoke protection, dispel obstacles, and deepen tantric practice. His image serves as a powerful reminder of transformation, spiritual resilience, and the integration of wisdom and compassion.This thangka portrays Padmasambhava seated on a lotus with a red cap, the legs crossed, the right hand holding a dorje (vajra) and the left resting in his lap. Smaller deities or lineage masters appear above and below him, each enclosed in circular frames, signifying the transmission of teachings. The thangka is framed with layers of silk brocade in yellow, red, orange and blue, with floral and cloud motifs that evoke the celestial realm. A decorative fringe at the bottom adds ceremonial richness, while the yellow fabric-covered rod at the top allows the thangka to be hung for ritual or meditative use.buddhist art, tibetan buddhism, holy objects

Thangkas are cloth scrolls unique to Tibetan Buddhism, depicting deities, venerated spiritual figures, or religious symbols. Intended for personal meditation or instruction of monastic students, they are invested with the spirit of a deity to whom they are consecrated. The design of a thangka allows it to be rolled up for easy transport, a feature that was essential for traveling monks and practitioners in nomadic regions. The Shakyamuni Buddha thangkas serve as potent aids for cultivating compassion and awareness, offering inspiration and spiritual guidance to practitioners. The Buddha's path to enlightenment and subsequent teachings form the foundation of Buddhist philosophy.Embroided thangka with outer cover, fringing and embroided Shakyamuni Buddha deity. Surrounded by three borders with floral motifs in gold.buddhist art, tibetan buddhism, holy objects

Thangkas are cloth scrolls unique to Tibetan Buddhism, depicting deities, venerated spiritual figures, or religious symbols. Intended for personal meditation or instruction of monastic students, they are invested with the spirit of a deity to whom they are consecrated. The design of a thangka allows it to be rolled up for easy transport, a feature that was essential for traveling monks and practitioners in nomadic regions. In Tibetan Buddhism, White Tara represents maternal compassion, healing, longevity, and purity. She is a female Buddha who offers swift help to those in need, providing protection, removing obstacles, and granting long life to practitioners for the purpose of spiritual practice and enlightenment. White Tara is worshipped for her ability to heal physical and mental illnesses.This thangka depicts White Tara seated in a meditative posture, radiating serenity and benevolence. Her white body symbolises purity and transcendent wisdom, and she is adorned with rich ornaments and flowing silks, reflecting her enlightened status.buddhist art, tibetan buddhism, holy objects

Thangkas are cloth scrolls unique to Tibetan Buddhism, depicting deities, venerated spiritual figures, or religious symbols. Intended for personal meditation or instruction of monastic students, they are invested with the spirit of a deity to whom they are consecrated. The design of a thangka allows it to be rolled up for easy transport, a feature that was essential for traveling monks and practitioners in nomadic regions. This thangka is a homage to the 21 exceptional women teachers, yoginis and practitioners who achieved high levels of spiritual realisation in the Buddhist traditions of Tibet and India and played foundational roles in transmitting Buddhist lineages. The thangka was envisioned and conceptually designed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 2008.Buddha Shakyamuni, surrounded by the 21 female Mahasiddhas (Masters of Accomplishment), is seated in the center on a lotus throne, performing the earth-witness mudra with his right hand while holding an alms bowl in his left. Standing on either side directly below are his two main disciples, Shariputra and Maudgalyayana. The perimeter features 21 distinct female masters arranged symmetrically across a vibrant sky and landscape backdrop. Each figure is depicted within a rainbow aura or circular halo, captured in meditative, teaching, or dynamic poses.Each figure is provided with a number and name printed in Tibetan and English.buddhist art, tibetan buddhism, holy objects

As Buddhism spread to Tibet in the 7th century, prayer wheels became an essential attribute of Tibetan Buddhist practice. This practice is linked to teachings attributed to Nagarjuna (ca. 150 –250 CE), who emphasised the power of mantra recitation and visualisation. A prayer wheel, used for personal worship, allowed to release the spiritual power contained within the mantras, enabling practitioners, including those who could not read, to generate spiritual merit.Prayer wheels are used by Tibetan practitioners every day, sometimes hours at a time. They believe that turning the wheel with a pure, compassionate intention releases the mantras into the universe, which purifies negative karma, accumulates merit, and radiates compassion to all living beings. This prayer wheel consists of a hollow metal cylinder attached to a wooden handle. Inside the cylinder is a tightly wound scroll printed with numerous mantras and wrapped around a central spindle. A chain with a small weight attached to its end is affixed to the cylinder, allowing it to be spun with a slight rotation of the wrist."Om Mani Padme Hum" in Tibetan script tibetan buddhism, worship devices, holy objects

As Buddhism spread to Tibet in the 7th century, prayer wheels became an essential attribute of Tibetan Buddhist practice. This practice is linked to teachings attributed to Nagarjuna (ca. 150 –250 CE), who emphasised the power of mantra recitation and visualisation. A prayer wheel, used for personal worship, allowed to release the spiritual power contained within the mantras, enabling practitioners, including those who could not read, to generate spiritual merit.Prayer wheels are used by Tibetan practitioners every day, sometimes hours at a time. They believe that turning the wheel with a pure, compassionate intention releases the mantras into the universe, which purifies negative karma, accumulates merit, and radiates compassion to all living beings.This prayer wheel consists of a hollow metal cylinder embossed with the “Om Mani Padme Hum” in Tibetan script and attached to a wooden handle. Inside the cylinder is a tightly wound scroll printed with numerous hand-written mantras and wrapped around a central spindle. A chain with a small weight attached to its end by a leather strip is affixed to the cylinder, allowing it to be spun with a slight rotation of the wrist.“Om Mani Padme Hum” tibetan buddhism, holy objects, worship devices

As Buddhism spread to Tibet in the 7th century, prayer wheels became an essential attribute of Tibetan Buddhist practice. This practice is linked to teachings attributed to Nagarjuna (ca. 150 –250 CE), who emphasised the power of mantra recitation and visualisation. A prayer wheel, used for personal worship, allowed to release the spiritual power contained within the mantras, enabling practitioners, including those who could not read, to generate spiritual merit.Prayer wheels are used by Tibetan practitioners every day, sometimes hours at a time. They believe that turning the wheel with a pure, compassionate intention releases the mantras into the universe, which purifies negative karma, accumulates merit, and radiates compassion to all living beings.This hand-held prayer wheel features a cylindrical body made of copper alloy and silver alloy and embossed with the “Om Mani Padme Hum” mantra (associated with Avalokiteśvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion) in Tibetan script and decorative motifs. The cylinder, mounted on a metal handle, is spun clockwise during prayer and meditation. A weighted chain attached to the side helps maintain the wheel's rotation. "Om Mani Padme Hum" in Tibetan scripttibetan buddhism, holy objects, worship devices

As Buddhism spread to Tibet in the 7th century, prayer wheels became an essential attribute of Tibetan Buddhist practice. This practice is linked to teachings attributed to Nagarjuna (ca. 150 –250 CE), who emphasised the power of mantra recitation and visualisation. A prayer wheel, used for personal worship, allowed to release the spiritual power contained within the mantras, enabling practitioners, including those who could not read, to generate spiritual merit.Prayer wheels are used by Tibetan practitioners every day, sometimes hours at a time. They believe that turning the wheel with a pure, compassionate intention releases the mantras into the universe, which purifies negative karma, accumulates merit, and radiates compassion to all living beings.This prayer wheel has a hollow metal cylinder inside covered with a layer of ivory with carved elephants. The cylinder is inlaid with coral and turquoise and attached to an ivory handle. It contains a tightly wound scroll printed with numerous mantras, wrapped around a spindle. A chain with a small weight attached to its end is affixed to the cylinder, allowing it to be spun with a slight rotation of the wrist.tibetan buddhism, holy objects, worship devices

As Buddhism spread to Tibet in the 7th century, prayer wheels became an essential attribute of Tibetan Buddhist practice. This practice is linked to teachings attributed to Nagarjuna (ca. 150 –250 CE), who emphasised the power of mantra recitation and visualisation. A prayer wheel, used for personal worship, allowed to release the spiritual power contained within the mantras, enabling practitioners, including those who could not read, to generate spiritual merit.Prayer wheels are used by Tibetan practitioners every day, sometimes hours at a time. They believe that turning the wheel with a pure, compassionate intention releases the mantras into the universe, which purifies negative karma, accumulates merit, and radiates compassion to all living beings.This hand-held prayer wheel features a cylindrical bronze body embossed with the Om Mani Padme Hum mantra and traditional Tibetan decorative motifs. It is further embellished with prominent inlaid red coral beads. The top of the cylinder is surmounted by a decorative, tiered conical finial, shaped in the form of a lotus bud or sacred jewel. A small metal chain with a weight is attached to the side of the cylinder, providing the centrifugal force needed to maintain a smooth, continuous rotation when the prayer wheel is spun by its wooden handle during prayer or meditation."Om Mani Padme Hum" in Tibetan scripttibetan buddhism, holy objects, worship devices

As Buddhism spread to Tibet in the 7th century, prayer wheels became an essential attribute of Tibetan Buddhist practice. This practice is linked to teachings attributed to Nagarjuna (ca. 150 –250 CE), who emphasised the power of mantra recitation and visualisation. A prayer wheel, used for personal worship, allowed to release the spiritual power contained within the mantras, enabling practitioners, including those who could not read, to generate spiritual merit.Prayer wheels are used by Tibetan practitioners every day, sometimes hours at a time. They believe that turning the wheel with a pure, compassionate intention releases the mantras into the universe, which purifies negative karma, accumulates merit, and radiates compassion to all living beings.The central cylinder of this prayer wheel, made from a textured metal alloy, features an embossed mantra “Om Mani Padme Hum” in Sanskrit script. It is further decorated with two horizontal bands of inlaid beads—of coral and turquoise. The cylinder is missing the top, which makes visible the tightly wound scroll printed with numerous mantras and wrapped around a central spindle. The wooden handle is chipped at the bottom and shows wear lines and a smooth patina from handling. A small metal link chain with a metallic weight attached to its end is affixed to the cylinder, allowing it to be spun with a slight rotation of the wrist.“Om Mani Padme Hum” in Sanskrit scripttibetan buddhism, holy objects, worship devices

As Buddhism spread to Tibet in the 7th century, prayer wheels became an essential attribute of Tibetan Buddhist practice. This practice is linked to teachings attributed to Nagarjuna (ca. 150 –250 CE), who emphasised the power of mantra recitation and visualisation. A prayer wheel, used for personal worship, allowed to release the spiritual power contained within the mantras, enabling practitioners, including those who could not read, to generate spiritual merit.Prayer wheels are used by Tibetan practitioners every day, sometimes hours at a time. They believe that turning the wheel with a pure, compassionate intention releases the mantras into the universe, which purifies negative karma, accumulates merit, and radiates compassion to all living beings.This prayer wheel features a wooden cylinder with a carved mantra in Tibetan script. The cylinder is attached to a wooden handle. Inside the cylinder is a tightly wound scroll printed with numerous mantras and wrapped around a spindle. A metal chain with a small wooden weight attached to its end is affixed to the cylinder, allowing it to be spun with a slight rotation of the wrist."Om Mani Padme Hum" in Tibetan scripttibetan buddhism, holy objects, worship devices

As Buddhism spread to Tibet in the 7th century, prayer wheels became an essential attribute of Tibetan Buddhist practice. This practice is linked to teachings attributed to Nagarjuna (ca. 150 –250 CE), who emphasised the power of mantra recitation and visualisation. A prayer wheel, used for personal worship, allowed to release the spiritual power contained within the mantras, enabling practitioners, including those who could not read, to generate spiritual merit. Prayer wheels are used by Tibetan practitioners every day, sometimes hours at a time. They believe that turning the wheel with a pure, compassionate intention releases the mantras into the universe, which purifies negative karma, accumulates merit, and radiates compassion to all living beings.This prayer wheel features a cylinder finished with a layer of ivory with a carving of a mantra in Tibetan script and inlaid with coral and turquoise. The cylinder is attached to a wooden handle. Inside the cylinder is a tightly wound scroll printed with numerous mantras and wrapped around a spindle. A metal chain with a small wooden weight attached to its end is affixed to the cylinder, allowing it to be spun with a slight rotation of the wrist."Om Mani Padme Hum" in Tibetan scripttibetan buddhism, holy objects, worship devices

As Buddhism spread to Tibet in the 7th century, prayer wheels became an essential attribute of Tibetan Buddhist practice. This practice is linked to teachings attributed to Nagarjuna (ca. 150 –250 CE), who emphasised the power of mantra recitation and visualisation. A prayer wheel, used for personal worship, allowed to release the spiritual power contained within the mantras, enabling practitioners, including those who could not read, to generate spiritual merit.Prayer wheels are used by Tibetan practitioners every day, sometimes hours at a time. They believe that turning the wheel with a pure, compassionate intention releases the mantras into the universe, which purifies negative karma, accumulates merit, and radiates compassion to all living beings.This prayer wheel features a cylindrical metal drum (a copper alloy or brass) mounted on a central axis, connected to a turned wooden handle. A small metal link chain with a metallic weight attached to its end is affixed to the cylinder, allowing it to be spun with a slight rotation of the wrist. The drum is decorated with inset glass or semi-precious stone cabochons and two turquoise beads. Inside the cylinder is a tightly wound scroll printed with numerous mantras and wrapped around a spindle. The object exhibits a prominent, naturally aged patina across the metal components, with visible oxidation and darkening consistent with handling and environmental exposure. The wooden handle shows wear from use, minor surface abrasions, and a rich, dark discoloration from skin oils. tibetan buddhism, holy objects, worship devices

As Buddhism spread to Tibet in the 7th century, prayer wheels became an essential attribute of Tibetan Buddhist practice. This practice is linked to teachings attributed to Nagarjuna (ca. 150 –250 CE), who emphasised the power of mantra recitation and visualisation. A prayer wheel, used for personal worship, allowed to release the spiritual power contained within the mantras, enabling practitioners, including those who could not read, to generate spiritual merit.Prayer wheels are used by Tibetan practitioners every day, sometimes hours at a time. They believe that turning the wheel with a pure, compassionate intention releases the mantras into the universe, which purifies negative karma, accumulates merit, and radiates compassion to all living beings.This prayer wheel consists of a hollow metal cylinder and a metal handle attached to it. The cylinder is inlaid with coral stones and embossed with the “Om Mani Padme Hum” mantra in Tibetan script. Inside the cylinder is a tightly wound scroll printed with numerous mantras and wrapped around a central spindle. A chain with a small weight attached to its end is affixed to the cylinder, allowing it to be spun with a slight rotation of the wrist."Om Mani Padme Hum" in Tibetan scripttibetan buddhism, holy objects, worship devices

As Buddhism spread to Tibet in the 7th century, prayer wheels became an essential attribute of Tibetan Buddhist practice. This practice is linked to teachings attributed to Nagarjuna (ca. 150 –250 CE), who emphasised the power of mantra recitation and visualisation. A prayer wheel, used for personal worship, allowed to release the spiritual power contained within the mantras, enabling practitioners, including those who could not read, to generate spiritual merit. Prayer wheels have been used in Tibetan Buddhism for personal worship since the 7th century. Turning the wheel with a pure, compassionate intention is believed to release the mantras into the universe, resulting in purification of negative karma of the practitioner, accumulation of merit, and spreading compassion to all living beings.The main body of this standing prayer wheel consists of a rotating hollow metal cylinder (drum) set on a flared, bell-shaped pedestal stand. Small decorative loops extend outward from the lower rim of the drum, which are used to manually flick and spin the wheel in a clockwise direction. The top lid features decorative, scalloped petal patterns resembling a lotus flower. It is crowned with a pointed metallic finial–in a jewel shape–and adorned with small, inlaid red coral stones. This small standing prayer wheel can be placed by Buddhist practitioners on a flat surface like an altar or table and easily rotated to disseminate the blessings to all. "Om Mani Padme Hum" mantra in Sanskrit scripttibetan buddhism, holy objects, worship devices

As Buddhism spread to Tibet in the 7th century, prayer wheels became an essential attribute of Tibetan Buddhist practice. This practice is linked to teachings attributed to Nagarjuna (ca. 150 –250 CE), who emphasised the power of mantra recitation and visualisation. A prayer wheel, used for personal worship, allowed to release the spiritual power contained within the mantras, enabling practitioners, including those who could not read, to generate spiritual merit.Prayer wheels have been used in Tibetan Buddhism for personal worship since the 7th century. Turning the wheel with a pure, compassionate intention is believed to release the mantras into the universe, resulting in purification of negative karma of the practitioner, accumulation of merit, and spreading compassion to all living beings. This solar-powered prayer wheel is based on the traditional Tibetan prayer wheel design. However, it uses solar power to rotate the wheel containing mantras, disseminating the blessings to all. Often placed by Buddhist practitioners on a windowsill or car dashboard.This modern adaptation of the traditional Tibetan Buddhist prayer wheel has a mantra-filled drum which rotates automatically using solar power when exposed to light. The ornate gold-coloured frame and prayer wheel in the centre (embellished with small faux gemstones) reflect the aesthetic traditions associated with Tibetan Buddhist sacred objects. The solar panel is concealed in the base. tibetan buddhism, holy objects, worship devices

As Buddhism spread to Tibet in the 7th century, prayer wheels became an essential attribute of Tibetan Buddhist practice. This practice is linked to teachings attributed to Nagarjuna (ca. 150 –250 CE), who emphasised the power of mantra recitation and visualisation. A prayer wheel, used for personal worship, allowed to release the spiritual power contained within the mantras, enabling practitioners, including those who could not read, to generate spiritual merit.Prayer wheels are used by Tibetan practitioners every day, sometimes hours at a time. They believe that turning the wheel with a pure, compassionate intention releases the mantras into the universe, which purifies negative karma, accumulates merit, and radiates compassion to all living beings.This highly ornate prayer wheel is a fine example of the highly skilled traditional Tibetan metalworking techniques. The cylindrical drum features silver filigree and repoussé patterns, and its central band is embossed with stylised Sanskrit characters in relief, spelling out the sacred mantra “Om Mani Padme Hum”, an invocation associated with Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Infinite Compassion. The drum is adorned with rows of inlaid coral and turquoise. A pointed silver finial is refined by delicate chasing. The long handle extending from the core is wrapped with silver structural rings, providing a good grip for a practitioner. A small, cast metal cube-shaped weight is suspended from the side of the drum by a silver chain, allowing the prayer wheel to be rotated with a slight movement of the wrist. tibetan buddhism, holy objects, worship devices

Thangkas are cloth scrolls unique to Tibetan Buddhism, depicting deities, venerated spiritual figures, or common religious symbols. Intended for personal meditation or instruction of monastic students, they are invested with the spirit of a deity to whom they are consecrated. A thangka is a composite three-dimensional object consisting of a picture panel which is painted or embroidered; a brocade mounting; and one or more of the following: a silk cover, leather corners, wooden dowels at the top and bottom and metal or wooden decorative knobs on the bottom dowel. Guru Padmasambhava (meaning 'Lotus-born', signifying his mythical origin as a being emerging from a lotus flower), also known as Guru Rinpoche, is seen as a manifestation of Buddha Shakyamuni. His teachings and legacy are deeply ingrained in Tibetan culture as he was responsible for bringing advanced Buddhist Tantric teachings to Tibet in the 8th century.A Tibetan thangka depicting Guru Padmasambhava. Framed in a traditional silk brocade border; a wooden dowel is inserted in a sleeve along the bottom edge of the fabric frame. buddhist art, tibetan buddhism, holy objects

Thangkas are cloth scrolls unique to Tibetan Buddhism, depicting deities, venerated spiritual figures, or common religious symbols. Intended for personal meditation or instruction of monastic students, they are invested with the spirit of a deity to whom they are consecrated. A thangka is a composite art form consisting of a picture panel which is painted or embroidered; a brocade mounting; and one or more of the following: a silk cover, leather corners, wooden dowels at the top and bottom and metal or wooden decorative knobs on the bottom dowel. This allows a thangka to be rolled up for portability, reflecting its origins in the nomadic lifestyle of Tibetan monks.The Medicine Buddha (also known as Bhaisajyaguru or Sangyé Menla) is revered as the embodiment of healing and associated with practices helping with mental and physical ailments, as well as purifying negative karma. His iconic imagery, including the medicine bowl and healing plant, represents the union of wisdom and compassion as forces of healing. His teachings, rooted in the "Four Medicine Tantras," emphasize that the root of all diseases lies in negative emotions of greed, hatred, and ignorance.The central figure in this old thangka is Medicine Buddha, seated on a lotus throne and surrounded by other deities and figures. He has a bowl in his left hand, and a flower in his right hand. An interesting feature is that his body is not painted blue, as is customary for the image Medicine Buddha. The paint colours were derived from natural ingredients – grinded coral, turquoise and other gemstones. The 'Om Ah Hum' mantra is printed in Tibetan in red ink on the verso of the thangka.buddhist art, tibetan buddhism, holy objects

MEDIUM: Digital print. DESCRIPTION: A fractal exploration on 192 gsm archival matt. Image ranges from yellow, orange, and red to darker tones. Gold outer frame with a glass front. The Mandalas geometric designs are symbolic of the universe and used in Hinduism and Buddhism as an aid to meditation. The creative possibilities that exist in these sacred circles, are often based on a step-and-repeat principle, centre, and symmetry. Here we see this put into practise. The mandala has an iris quality about it with 16 pillars pulling centrally to what looks like a pupil, the centre of the mandala. This then has more points around it and then more once again. This fractal approach gives the work a textural depth. The use of blurring and merging in a kaleidoscopic fashion creates movement, the circular flow repetitive and calming. The use of reds throughout mandata art represent the glowing sun and of fire, red generally taken to be the color of life, love, joy and rage, the polar values of the color. Orange the colour of cheerfulness and gaiety, a colour mixed from red and yellow, it stands for kind-heartedness and warm-heartedness. Signed, titled, dated and editioned on image across bottom.de, print, digital, dear, amber, bead, mandala, fractal, expolration

The Buddhist monk Guangqia visited Karl Duldig’s studio on two consecutive days, in the company of the noted Chinese writer, Professor Yu Dafu, a friend of Karl’s. Karl made two portraits of the monk, the first depicting him sitting, and the second in a standing pose. The portraits were drawn using a Chinese brush and Indian ink. Surviving sketches in the Studio’s collection indicate that Karl thought about creating a life-size sculpture later on, but this was not realised. Guangqia added inscriptions in his own hand to both drawings and stamped them with a red seal. The seated drawing has an inscription in which he quoted from a Buddhist poem, ‘A Contented Mind’ by the scholar Lingfeng of Mt Tiantai. In the summer I went to visit the Austrian sculptor Duldig with Professor Yu Da Fu. My virtue is slight – I cannot accept your offerings and gifts; I am amply rewarded by the clouds and springs. Rather than a table laden with pearl-like rice, I prefer the wind and leaves falling on my bed. Sitting quietly on my meditation cushion Is sweeter than the wheat offered by a thousand families. The pity is that I am gradually growing old; My bitter journey is not worthy of your offerings. The second drawing has a quote from a Buddhist poem on the study of Chán (Zen) Buddhism, by the famed Chán master, Dàjiàn Huìnéng (638–713): The portrait, with its figure positioned on a scroll-like ground and inscription is reminiscent of traditional Zen Buddhist portraiture. In this school of portraiture, which stretched back to at least the thirteenth century, monks were depicted sitting or standing facing the viewer, and typically the monk added an autographic inscription to the portrait. The portraits were often passed from master to disciple, continuing the disciples’ journey of spiritual enlightenment and were revered for their association with remarkable or holy priests. The Buddhist monk, Guangqai who added his inscription and stamp to the drawings would most certainly have been aware of this tradition. It is likely that Karl was aware of this tradition, one of the points where the studio’s collections of art works from Singapore intersect with the earlier Viennese collections can be found in the Library where a catalogue of an exhibition, 'Ausstellung Ostasiatischer Malerie und Graphik' is held. The Viennese Friends of Asian Art and Culture and the Albertina Museum staged this exhibition of East Asian painting and graphic works in 1932. Such was the internationalism of Duldig’s education in Vienna, that adaption to a new environment and culture in the Straits Settlement was swift, and he was able to interpret the artistic traditions of the place, and make them his own. It is part of the strength of the collection, that in many cases contemporary supporting documentation for the works of art is available. In this case there is a photograph of the Monk with Yu Ta-fu, and Karl and Eva Duldig, outside the studio at the time the drawings were made. Ann Carew 2016The portraits of Guangqai have national and international aesthetic significance. The works of art demonstrate the artist’s skill in capturing the physical appearance and demeanour of his subject, and his ability to adapt his working methods to incorporate traditional Asian materials and cultural practices. The portrait is one of few examples in Melbourne of a central European modernist artists working in, and engaging with Asia, during this period and it is culturally and aesthetically significant for this reason. The portraits are also historically interesting in documenting the life and experiences of Karl Duldig in the Straits Settlement (Singapore). Ann Carew 2016Brush drawing in chinese ink on paper. Seated Buddhist Monk. Chinese calligraphy hand written in black ink. Two red stamps under calligraphy.Signed Karl Duldig in l.r. corner. Dated Singapore 1940 in l.l. corner.