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Reading Buddhist Art: An Illustrated Guide to Buddhist Signs and Symbols
By: McArthur, Meher

Reading Buddhist Art


 
Our Price: $31.95
Members Price: $28.76
Author: McArthur, Meher
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780500510896
Publication Date: 2004


Product Code: 12048
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Description About the author Contents
 
Buddhism and its arts have existed for more than 2500 years, weaving their way with minks and pilgrims through broad areas of the Asian continent and across seas, mingling with the arts and styles of indigenous cultures. This book explores the complex imagery and teachings of Buddhism, whose iconography and symbolism can often seem as challenging as the search for enlightenment itself.
All the principal symbols, objects and figures of worship are gathered here in a rich, informative and easy-to-use book that will serve equally well as an art lover's reference tool and as an introduction to the principles of the religion itself.
After introducing the early history of Buddhism and its subsequent spread, the book presents the main figures of worship -- the Buddhas, bodhisattvas, deities, protectors of the faith and historical personages -- and explains their origins, characters and identifying features. The signs, symbols and ritual objects of Buddhist worship are clearly described and illustrated, and there is also an overview of major Buddhist sites throughout the world.
Photographs and specially commissioned two-color line drawings and maps accompany the text, with subject names given in all relevant languages (Sanskrit, Tibetan, Thai, Japanese etc.) in standard English transcriptions. With a comprehensive glossary of key Buddhist terms and a well researched bibliography, this book will be indispensable to anyone with an interest in Buddhism and its arts.


Reading Buddhist Art, Meher McArthur, Thames & Hudson, Hardcover, 216 pages, 304 illustrations, $31.95

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