Over five decades years after its first publication, the first American
interpretation of the religious arts of Tibet remains a vital and useful survey.
Assembled by an anthropologist at the American Museum of Natural History, this
profusely illustrated work features art from that institution's extensive
collections, in addition to seldom-seen Tibetan artifacts from other museums and
private collections. Following an informative overview of the intrinsic
relationship of Buddhist deities to Tibetan art, the lavish assortment of
illustrations includes temple paintings, books, wood blocks, ritual objects,
robes, masks, metal work, musical instruments, jewelry, butter sculpture, sand
mandalas, and calligraphy. Each item is described in detail, with explanations
of the