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
New game
story of the work:

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Milarepa on Mount Kailash

The painting titled "Milarepa on Mount Kailash", created circa 1500, is a significant example of Tibetan thangka art, utilizing pigment and gold on cotton. This work depicts the revered Tibetan yogi and poet Milarepa, known for his spiritual teachings and ascetic lifestyle, set against the sacred backdrop of Mount Kailash. The use of vibrant pigments and gold highlights the spiritual and cultural importance of the subject within Tibetan Buddhism. The artist remains anonymous, as is common with many thangkas from this period, reflecting the tradition of focusing on the spiritual message rather than individual authorship. This painting serves as a vital cultural artifact, offering insights into the religious practices and artistic conventions of 16th-century Tibet. Its preservation and study contribute to a deeper understanding of the historical and spiritual landscape of the region.

Description of the work:

The painting "Milarepa on Mount Kailash," created in Tibet around 1500, is a thangka that depicts the revered Tibetan yogi Milarepa in a meditative pose on the sacred Mount Kailash, rendered with pigment and gold on cotton. This artwork exemplifies the intricate and symbolic style of Tibetan Buddhist art, emphasizing spiritual themes and the use of precious materials to convey religious significance.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Art Institute of Chicago

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Milarepa on Mount Kailash