Dictionary Of Buddhist Iconography

The Dictionary details the characteristic attributes,chronology and symbolism of over twelve thousand main and minor deities.It reflects the extraordinary cultural, literary,aesthetic and spiritual achievements of several nations of Asia over two millennia.It will help to identify the masterpieces along with the profusion of masters and divine beings around them.The last few decades have seen an exuberant flourishing of the study and popularisation of the patrimony of Buddhist art for its aesthetic magnificence.This Dictionary will add a dimension of precision and depth of perception to the visual tradition of paintings and sculptures.

Over 150 color photographs from temples, museums, historical sites, and private collections enhance this attractive survey of the Buddhist art of India, Central Asia, China, Korea, Japan, Nepal, Tibet, Sri Lanka, Burma (Myanmar), Indonesia, Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam. It presents the life story and teachings of Sakyamuni Buddha, founder of Buddhism, as shown in paintings, sculptures, and other works of art, and explores the major schools of Buddhism--Theravada, Mahayana, Vajrayana, Zen--and the styles and characteristics of the Buddhas, bodhisattvas, deities, and other images seen in their art. Everyone interested in Buddhist art and its enduring significance will find this volume a useful reference for the study and appreciation of the various gestures, poses, and artistic elements seen in Buddhist art though the ages.