asian art

Hayagriva mandala, monk-artists of Seraje Monastic University, India

One of the most exquisite Tibetan art forms, sand mandalas are intricate “paintings” that symbolize the universe and its powers. A mandala typically represents a particular deity’s palace and grounds and illuminates a guiding spiritual principle.

This mandala was made at the DAM by three Tibetan monks over a two-week period in September 1996. Normally, sand mandalas are ritually dismantled after completion, but the museum was given permission to preserve and display this mandala. It is one of very few Tibetan sand mandalas ever preserved for permanent viewing.

For more information about this artwork, including lesson plans for teachers and their students, visit our Creativity Resource website.

American Indian Art