Dr. Agnieszka Helman-Ważny: “Tibetan Books - A History of Craft and Artistry”
12 June 2012
Photo: Orna Almogi
In their specific cultural context, Tibetan books function as the carrier of Buddhist teachings. They are philosophical texts as well as texts having rich ritual significance such as offerings, tools of persuasion, objects of religious devotion, and status symbols. This lecture will focus on Tibetan books beyond these roles, approaching them primarily through the lens of their artistry and the history of the book-making craft. It will explore the variety of artistic expression, materials, and tools that have shaped differences in style, layout, formats, and other techniques used in the creation of books regionally and within particular periods of time. The detailed study of the books as material artifacts is not only meant as a guide through the historical origins of formats, decoration, and broad range of materials, but also as an account of the bookmakers’ effort and creativity, thus shedding new light on the books’ spiritual and philosophical meaning.
- Click here to download the invitation (PDF)
June 12th, 2012 - 16.15h
Universität Hamburg, Main building
Edmund-Siemers-Allee 1, Raum 125
Free Entrance.