Buddhist tales of Kashmir in Tibetan woodcuts (Narthang series of the woodcuts of Ksemendras Avadana-kalpalata)

Book Details

• Publisher: ADITYA PRAKASHAN Indological Publishers & Booksellers

• Language: English

• Edition: 2005

• ISBN-13: 9788177420654

• ISBN-10: 8177420658

• Subject: Buddhism

About the Book
This fascinating volume presents the timeless beauty of Buddhist avadanas, immortalized by Ksemendra in AD 1052 within his Avadana-kalpalata, which consists of 108 chapters. At a time when the brilliance of Buddhism and its artistic legacy were beginning to fade in Kashmir, Ksemendra captured the essence of these vanishing murals in poetic form, ensuring they transcended the passage of time.

The text was later carried to Tibet by the great Kashmiri Pandita, Sakyasri, in 1204 and was translated into Tibetan in AD 1272. It became a literary classic and influenced Tibetan literary style. In the 18th century, the Avadana-kalpalata was further immortalized through the creation of 30 wooden blocks at the Narthang Monastery, accompanied by intricate woodcuts illustrating the poem’s chapters.

This volume reproduces all 31 woodcuts in their original xylographic form, with each detail showcased in a large 23x36 inch format for enhanced clarity. Additionally, sketches of the woodcuts offer a deeper understanding of the artwork. The preface provides historical context for the text and its illustrations, along with captivating stories of the 108 avadanas.

This book is a unique treasure for those interested in the narrative art and literary traditions of Tibet, as well as the rich history of Buddhist art.