Art of Tibet : a catalogue of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art collection /

This extensive, definitive, and well-illustrated study of Tibetan painting, sculpture, and textiles is a most welcome addition to the relatively sparse literature concerning Tibet. Pal, a senior art curator at the Los Angeles County Museum, writes with scholarly thoroughness in a style that is free flowing and clear. The 56 color plates and numerous black-and-white photos are of fine quality. The text is devoted largely to excellent commentary about the plates and illustrations, but also gives plentiful historical, technical, and stylistic observations. "Radical departure from the norm was not deemed a virtue" (p. 60); hence Tibetan art maintains a conservatism that makes it difficult for the nonexpert to be sure whether a particular work dates from 200 or 400 years ago. Although Tibetan art has its own distinctive and impressive way of being, stylistic influences from India (Plate 53 shows a many-headed god), China (Plate 54 suggests a Chinese Kuan Yin), and Central Asia (Plate 55, a ewer) are apparent. An outstanding book for college, university, and public libraries. -T. B. Hoffman, University of South Florida

The expanded edition (47 new entries and updated information) of the 1982 catalog of works from Los Angeles County's extensive collection of Tibetan illuminated manuscripts, paintings, sculpture, textiles, and ritual objects. Some 277 illustrations, 56 in color, offer prime examples of Buddhist art produced in Tibet from 1000 to 1940. Pal provides a summary history of the culture of Tibet and elucidates the complex beliefs of Vajrayana Buddhism, the source for Tibetan images and symbols. He explains the iconography of the deities and their characteristic postures and provides a key to understanding the function and meaning of mandalas and other formulaic figures. The Tibetan Buddhist pantheon, which includes divinities, nature spirits, demons, mythological creatures, and enlightened mortals, is delineated and the spirituality of the making of art discussed. Insightful commentary and an extraordinary selection of works make this a choice resource. Appendix; bibliography; index. ~--Donna Seaman

Tibetan art is one of the last great artistic traditions to become known in the West. Like most European medieval art, it was primarily commissioned for religious purposes. In an expanded edition of a 1983 catalog, Pal combines the religious and artistic significance of the art while also placing it in historical context. The history of Tibetan thanka painting is well represented, and 65 new works have been added to the current edition. Recommended for large art collections and libraries emphasizing Asian studies.--Mary Morgan Smith, Northland P.L., Pittsburgh (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.