Four Mandalas of the Vajravali Cycle

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Published on January 19, 2025 3:15:44 PM ● Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9e-KorYbvU

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Wangguli and five additional Newar artists, Four Mandalas of the Vajravali Cycle (Ewam Choden Monastery, Tsang Province, Central Tibet), 1429–56, pigments on cloth, 88.9 x 73.7 cm; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art; C2007.6.1 (HAR 81826)

speakers: Dr. Karl Debreczeny, Senior Curator, Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art and Dr. Steven Zucker

In Buddhism, a mandala refers to a cosmic abode of a deity, usually depicted as a diagram of a circle with an inscribed square that represents the deity enthroned in their palace. Mandalas are used by Buddhist practitioners for visualization during meditation. The Rubin’s Senior Curator Dr. Karl Debreczeny and Smarthistory’s Dr. Steven Zucker delve into one of the most important paintings in the Rubin’s collection, Four Mandalas of the Vajravali Cycle.

The Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art has teamed up with Smarthistory to bring you an ‘up-close’ look at select objects from the Rubin’s preeminent collection of Himalayan art. Featuring conversations with senior curators and close-looking at art, this video series is an accessible introduction to the art and material culture of the Tibetan, Himalayan, and Inner Asian regions. Learn about the living traditions and art-making practices of the Himalayas from the past to today.
Learn more about mandalas on Project Himalayan Art, a resource from the Rubin for learning about Himalayan, Tibetan, and Inner Asian art and cultures:
● Read more about Newar artists of the Kathmandu Valley working in Tibet: https://projecthimalayanart.rubinmuseum.org/essays/jivaramas-sketchbook/
● Read about a similar painting by Tibetan painters inspired by Newar works like this: https://projecthimalayanart.rubinmuseum.org/essays/mandala-of-manjuvajra-of-the-vajravali-set-commissioned-in-memory-of-lama-dampa/
● Learn more about mandalas:
https://projecthimalayanart.rubinmuseum.org/essays/chakrasamvara-mandala-with-newar-donors/

About the Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art
The Rubin is a global museum dedicated to presenting Himalayan art and its insights through exhibitions, participatory experiences, a dynamic digital platform, and partnerships. Inspired and informed by Himalayan art, the Rubin invites people to contemplate the human experience and deepen connections with the world around them in order to expand awareness, enhance well-being, and cultivate compassion.

View the Himalayan Art Up Close series: / playlist

Subscribe to the Rubin Museum YouTube channel: / @rubinmuseum