Tshatsha: An Exotic Flower of Tibetan Buddhist Art

Tshatsha: An Exotic Flower of Tibetan Buddhist Art
Nov 9, 2009 01:22
LUCIFERC Points: Join Date: Nov 9, 2009 Status: offline	Tshatsha, a literal translation from a Sanskrit word which means "copy" in English, stands for small clay sculptures cut from a mold, including mini-statues of Buddha, stupas or Buddhist scriptures. Usually, they are put inside large stupas or special shrines (tsha-kang). They can also be found on top of Mani stones flanked by prayer flags along tracks, on the revered snow-peaks or in sacred caves. The Tibetans carry them in small amulet boxes to guard against evil. Tshatshas are believed to have come from India together with Buddhism. Although most tshatshas are made of clay, there are also wooden or stone ones. The former are used to fill the stupas, with some are placed on top of the Mani stones or in special shrines, while most of the latter are placed in Buddhist shrines or altars. Tshatshas, whether ancient or modern, generally fall into two categories in terms of their forms: relief sculptures, including high and low reliefs, made with a one-sided mold; and round sculptures that are made with a double- sided mold.

Nov 9, 2009 01:22

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Tshatsha, a literal translation from a Sanskrit word which means "copy" in English, stands for small clay sculptures cut from a mold, including mini-statues of Buddha, stupas or Buddhist scriptures. Usually, they are put inside large stupas or special shrines (tsha-kang). They can also be found on top of Mani stones flanked by prayer flags along tracks, on the revered snow-peaks or in sacred caves. The Tibetans carry them in small amulet boxes to guard against evil.

Tshatshas are believed to have come from India together with Buddhism. Although most tshatshas are made of clay, there are also wooden or stone ones. The former are used to fill the stupas, with some are placed on top of the Mani stones or in special shrines, while most of the latter are placed in Buddhist shrines or altars.

Tshatshas, whether ancient or modern, generally fall into two categories in terms of their forms: relief sculptures, including high and low reliefs, made with a one-sided mold; and round sculptures that are made with a double- sided mold.

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