Milarepa on Mount Kailash

Tibet

Created:
Movement:
c. 1500
None
key Notes:
Spiritual Asceticism, Mystical Landscape
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Dimensions:
45.5 × 30 cm (17 7/8 × 11 13/16 in.)
medium:
Pigment and gold on cotton
Difficulty:
Expert
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story of the work:

"Milarepa on Mount Kailash" is a Tibetan thangka that depicts the revered figure Milarepa, a prominent yogi and poet in Tibetan Buddhism. The painting illustrates Milarepa in a meditative pose on Mount Kailash, a sacred site in Tibetan culture and considered the abode of deities. The artwork reflects the traditional iconography associated with Milarepa, characterized by his green attire and distinctive features. The thangka serves both a devotional purpose and as a visual narrative of Milarepa's spiritual journey and achievements. The date of creation remains unknown, but such works are typically produced in the context of Tibetan monastic art, which flourished from the 11th century onward. The use of vibrant colors and intricate details is indicative of the artistic techniques employed in Tibetan thangka painting. This piece contributes to the understanding of Tibetan religious practices and the veneration of historical figures within the Buddhist tradition.

Description of the work:

"Milarepa on Mount Kailash" is a Tibetan painting that depicts the revered figure Milarepa, a prominent yogi and poet in Tibetan Buddhism, situated against the backdrop of Mount Kailash. The composition features Milarepa in a meditative pose, characterized by his distinctive green robes and a serene expression, which conveys a sense of spiritual tranquility. The use of pigment and gold on cotton enhances the vibrancy of the colors, with gold accents highlighting the contours of Milarepa's figure and the surrounding landscape. The mountain itself is rendered with a sense of majesty, its peaks rising dramatically in the background, symbolizing the spiritual ascent associated with Milarepa's teachings. The overall palette includes rich greens, deep blues, and warm earth tones, creating a harmonious balance that reflects the natural beauty of the Tibetan landscape. The intricate detailing in the painting, particularly in the depiction of flora and fauna, underscores the interconnectedness of nature and spirituality in Tibetan culture. The work exemplifies traditional Tibetan artistic techniques, including the meticulous application of gold leaf, which adds a luminous quality to the piece.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Art Institute of Chicago

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Milarepa on Mount Kailash