Garuda in Asian Art

Book Details

Authors: Etsuo Yamamoto & D. P. Sharma
Publisher: Bharatiya Kala Prakashan
Language: English
Edition: 1st
ISBN: 9788180901942
Pages: 145
Cover: Hardcover
Dimensions: 28.5 cm x 23 cm
Weight: 1.10 kg
Year of Publication: 2008
Country of Origin: India

About the Authors:

Etsuo Yamamoto graduated from the Law Faculty at Kyushu University, Japan, and later studied at the Graduate School of the University of Florida, USA. He is the founder of Sela Corporation, which deals with Asian Arts and Handicrafts, and Seia Corporation, which focuses on European porcelain and handicrafts. Yamamoto is also the Director of the Aslan Ethno-Form Society and a Professor at the Institute of Aslan Ethno-Form and Culture. He has authored several works, including a joint publication with D.P. Sharma titled Mythological Bird and Serpent in Asian Art.

D. P. Sharma holds an M.A. in Archaeology from Allahabad University and earned his Ph.D. from the same institution. He has worked extensively in archaeology, particularly in the excavation of sites in the UK and France. Sharma is the Director of Bharat Kala Bhawan at B.H.U., Varanasi, and has authored 24 books and 200 research papers. He has contributed significantly to the study of Indian art and culture.

Preface:

This book delves into the mythology and symbolism of Garuda, the celestial bird often associated with Hinduism and Buddhism. The concept of Garuda and its opposing counterpart, the serpent, has roots in ancient Mesopotamian symbolism, where the bird represents the sky and the serpent the earth and water. This duality was integrated into the cultural fabric of India, spreading across Southeast Asia, China, and Japan through the spread of Hinduism and Buddhism.

The authors examine how Garuda, along with the mythological serpent, became central figures in Indian and global mythology, shaping the cultural and spiritual landscape across regions. The book explores how Garuda's symbolism has evolved and influenced various cultures, while providing insights into its mythological significance.

This research is based on over 30 years of fieldwork and collaboration between Etsuo Yamamoto and D.P. Sharma. The authors have gathered materials and images of Garuda across India, exploring its historical and cultural diffusion. The book aims to present an initial exploration of Garuda's origin, its diffusion, and its enduring significance in religious and cultural contexts.