Themes

Common Themes across Tibetan, Himalayan, and Inner Asian art and cultures explored in Project Himalayan Art are introduced on these web pages. These Themes connect information throughout the Project Himalayan Art platform and provide entry points to objects, essays, and exhibition materials to help you find objects and materials relevant to your interests.

Art Making

Art making in Himalayan and Tibetan regions is largely religious in nature and takes a wide range of forms—from painting to lost-wax metal casting.

Art Making

Artists & Patrons

Artists in Tibetan, Himalayan, and Inner Asian traditions produce works, mostly religious in nature, for large monastic institutions, royal courts, and a wide range of individual patrons.

Artists & Patrons

Cultural Regions

Himalayan art spans the artistic traditions of the diverse regions and cultural spheres of the greater Himalayan mountain range, the Tibetan Plateau, and connected areas of Inner Asia.

Cultural Regions

Religions

In Himalayan regions and culturally connected regions of Inner Asia the main religious traditions are Buddhism, Hinduism, and Bon.

Religions

Storytelling

Storytelling is a main means of teaching in Buddhist cultures and includes morality tales, legends, and life stories of the Buddha.

Storytelling