Painted Scrolls of Asia : Hindu, Buddhist and Lamaistic (Edition 1994)

Painted Scrolls of Asia: Hindu, Buddhist, and Lamaistic" is a broad topic that explores the artistic traditions of painting on scrolls in various Asian cultures, particularly in relation to Hinduism, Buddhism, and Lamaistic (Tibetan) traditions. Scroll painting, often done on cloth or paper, is a significant medium for religious expression in these cultures, where they are used in rituals, as objects of devotion, or as vehicles for storytelling. Below is a breakdown of the major themes and characteristics of each of these artistic traditions:

1. Hindu Painted Scrolls

Hindu scroll paintings are an important part of the religious and cultural heritage of India. These paintings often depict stories from sacred texts such as the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and the Puranas. The paintings are vibrant, with detailed depictions of gods, goddesses, and various mythological narratives.

• Types of Hindu Scrolls: In Hinduism, the scrolls are often referred to as Pat Chitra (Odisha) or Patachitra (Bengal), which are hand-painted scrolls made with natural dyes.
• Key Themes: The scrolls depict the epics, cosmology, and gods like Vishnu, Shiva, Lakshmi, and Durga. These paintings often have a strong narrative style, and the stories unfold as the scroll is unrolled.
• Style: The artwork typically features a combination of intricate lines, symbolic colors, and religious motifs. Many scrolls are used in rituals, processions, and festivals.

2. Buddhist Painted Scrolls

Buddhist scrolls, especially those from East Asia, such as China, Japan, and Tibet, are deeply spiritual, focusing on the Buddha's life, teachings, and the Buddhist cosmology. Buddhist scrolls are important in transmitting teachings and meditative practices.

• Types of Buddhist Scrolls: These scrolls include thangka paintings (Tibetan), kakemono (Japanese hanging scrolls), and sutra scrolls (scrolls of sacred texts in Chinese).
• Key Themes: Common themes in Buddhist scrolls include the life of the Buddha, Bodhisattvas, and various deities. They also illustrate Buddhist principles like the Four Noble Truths, the Wheel of Dharma, and various forms of meditation and enlightenment.
• Style: Buddhist scrolls are often highly detailed, with meticulous depictions of peaceful landscapes, meditative figures, and cosmic realms. The colors used are often symbolic, with gold, red, and blue representing spiritual purity and divine presence.

3. Lamaistic (Tibetan) Painted Scrolls

Lamaistic scroll paintings, primarily associated with Tibetan Buddhism, are referred to as thangkas. These are intricate, colorful paintings on fabric that serve both devotional and educational purposes.

• Purpose of Thangkas: Thangkas often serve as objects for meditation, depicting various deities, Buddhist saints, and mandalas. They are typically used by practitioners for meditation and visualizing deities and teachings. Many thangkas are ritual objects, believed to bring spiritual benefit to those who view them.
• Key Themes: Thangkas typically depict Bodhisattvas, Avalokiteshvara (the Buddha of compassion), Tara (the goddess of compassion), and other important figures in Tibetan Buddhism. Mandalas (circular designs representing the universe) are common, as are scenes of the Buddha’s life and teachings.
• Style: Tibetan scroll paintings are often elaborate, with a strong emphasis on symmetry, divine figures, and intricate backgrounds. They are painted with natural pigments, often using gold and lapis lazuli to highlight important elements.

Characteristics Across All Traditions

• Symbolism: In Hindu, Buddhist, and Lamaistic scrolls, the art is laden with symbolic meaning. For instance, in Buddhist scrolls, specific colors and postures of figures convey different aspects of the teachings.
• Narrative Art: Each tradition uses scrolls to tell stories — whether about divine figures, mythological tales, or religious teachings. The unfolding of a scroll often mimics the narrative journey.
• Devotional Purpose: These scrolls are not merely decorative but have a deep spiritual function, serving as tools for meditation, teaching, and worship.
• Materials: The scrolls are generally painted on cloth, silk, or paper, with natural pigments, often enhanced with gold leaf and other precious materials to reflect divine radiance.