ESSENTIALS OF BUDDHIST ART

The first and most remembered forms of Buddhist Art are defined by clear representation of color and shape, usually centered around a figure, be it a God or a Buddha, or a Bodhistattva. Color is crucial and laid down to symbolize specific qualities the artist wants to include. For example, a traditional mandala will be divided by side into four colors, each color repersenting a direction (North, South, East and West). Color, shape, content and symmetry dominate traditional Buddhist arts.

The piece to the right is a "portrait" of the god Achala; he is armed with a sword and serpents and surrounded by protectors at all sides, like a general in battle. Although portraits assume many different tones other than this warlike example, in traditional buddhist art, portraits generally follow the same mold.

Buddhanet provides a comprehensive glance at the widespread attributes of Buddhist art from images of the buddha to mudras and tangkas.

Buddhist Art & Architecture

Mediums of Traditional Buddhist Art

The following is a list of some of the many mediums that can be found in most traditional Buddhist art:

1. Stone relief carvings and sculptures

2. Wood relief carvings and sculptures

3. Paintings (gouache on cotton fabrics)

4. Painted (earthen pigments)Mandalas

5. Sand Mandalas

6. Bronze casts and molds

7. Gold / Jeweled casts

8. Paper arts/ scriptures (and calligraphy)

For a look at some interesting bejeweled statues of Buddhist deities from more recent times, one might find this site interesting:

Mandalas are a key form of Buddhist art and can be found in the spread of Buddhism to all nations. The concept of the Mandala is a reaffirmation of belief, and is based on a 2 dimensional formation of a three dimensional temple or monastery. The figure in the center (typically inclosed by a circle or several circles) is protected by walls, towers, gates, deities and guardians.

Mandalas can be found in virtually every Buddhist culture. The guidelines for Mandalas are fairly simple in terms of "rules"; the choosing of represented deities and certain colors is outlined in texts, but for the most part, Mandalas are based on the decisions of the artist or artists. The creation of Mandalas is generally regarded as forms of meditation; they are created both for the aesthetically pleasing product and also for the meditative process.

For a more informitave view on the making and meaning of Buddhist Mandalas the following site has a wider view of this specific area:

Mandalas & Their Symbolism