55 UMMA Objects
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A 'mani' or prayer wheel, a common ritual object used in Tibetan Buddhism: a device made a handle (here a simple wooden stick) supporting a hollow cylindrical drum on a spindle. A small metal weight, attached to one one side of the drum with a cord, allows the wheel to spin with a slight rotation of the wrist. The drum in his case is of hammered metal, with incised patterns of Buddhist auspicious symbols.
Tibetan (Tibetan (culture or style))
Prayer Wheel (Mani Wheel)
1833 – 1932
Gift of the Estate of Maxine W. Kunstadter in memory of Sigmund Kunstadter, Class of 1922
1983/1.423
An example of a 'mani' or prayer wheel, a common ritual object used in Tibetan Buddhism: a device made a handle (here a wooden stick, with simple incised line designs) supporting a hollow cylindrical drum on a spindle. Here the drum is elaboratedly decorated with rows of inset turquoise stones, as well as a row of Sanskit letters in bone.  A small weight of bone attached to one one side of the drum with a metal chain, allows the wheel to spin with a slight rotation of the wrist.
Tibetan (Tibetan (culture or style))
Prayer Wheel (Mani Wheel)
1833 – 1932
Gift of the Estate of Maxine W. Kunstadter in memory of Sigmund Kunstadter, Class of 1922
1983/1.424

Nepali
Surya,
18th century
Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Leo S. Figiel and Dr. and Mrs. Steven J. Figiel
1980/2.276
A finely cast miniature icon of the Buddha Amitâyus, seated on a double lotus pedestal.
Tibetan (Tibetan (culture or style))
The Buddha Amitâyus, seated in padmasana on a double lotus base, holding a vase of amrita (the elixir of long life)
18th century
Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Leo S. Figiel and Dr. and Mrs. Steven J. Figiel
1980/2.279
A miniature sculpture of a the Tibetan yogin Milarepa as a rotund figure, seated in lalitasana (the posture of royal ease, with one knee drawn up and the other relaxed) on an antelope skin (the head of the antelope can be discerned just under the figure's left foot, as an incised design). The right hand is raised, cusping the right ear as though to better hear, while the left elbow rests on the left knee, and the right hand holds a nettle-shell bowl. Wrapped around his torso, from his right shoulder to his left knee, is a sash (sometimes referred to as a meditation belt), which allows him to keep his body upright during long hours of meditation. The base, cast in a single piece with the figure, is decorated with beading and a single band of lotus petals.
Yogi Milarepa (c. 1032–c. 1135)
Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Leo S. Figiel and Dr. and Mrs. Steven J. Figiel
1981/2.56
A portable painting (thangka) in gouache and gold pigment on sized cotton, framed with concentric borders of red and yellow figures silk, with an outer border of white satin with embroidered floral designs. The painting is designed to be rolled up when not in use.
Mandala of a Dhyana Buddha, possibly Amitayus
20th century
Gift of Mrs. Gracia E. van Loo
1978/2.1
A very finely hollow cast bronze portrait sculpture of a seated figure, with the lotus dais and pointed monk's cap cast in one piece with the figure.<br />The monk is shown seated in the padmasana (lotus) pose, with each foot resting sole-upward on the opposite knee. In his right hand, he holds a vajra (a double-pronged scepter) and simultaneously makes the vitarka gesture for teaching. His left hand, resting on his lap, holds a bell. His costume consists of a dhoti, which is knotted high on his torso; a short-sleeved shirt, crossed over his chest and decorated with incised scroll patterns, with a fret design at the border; and an overrobe that wraps around his left shoulder and is draped over his right shoulder.  His face has a broad forehead, incised eyebrows in a high arch; downcast eyes, with leaf-shaped upper eyelids; a broad, flat nose; a sweet smile and full lips; and a narrow chin. His tall, pointed monk's cap, which completely hides his hair, has flaps that spread to reach his upper arms.
Portrait of an unidentified Tibetan lama (teacher)
Bequest of Thakur Rup Chand
1995/1.57

Nepali
Thangka
17th century
Bequest of Thakur Rup Chand
1995/1.55
A miniature stupa, cast of bronze in several parts, consisting of a bell-shaped base; an inverted cone-shaped tower, capped by an "umbrella" with pendant, fringe-like decoration, inlaid with semi-percious stone, surmounted by a lotus bud. Atop the whole structure is a half-moon and sun disk motif, supported by intertwined ribbons and culminating in another lotus bud.
Kadampa Stupa
13th century
Museum purchase made possible by the Margaret Watson Parker Art Collection Fund
2003/1.386
A miniature, cast bronze sculpture of Kubera, the god of wealth, seated sideways on a lion. Kubera sits in the lalitasana pose (the pose of royal ease, with one leg drawn up and the other relaxed); his right hand is outstretched to rest on the knee, while his left arm is akimbo and his hand rests on his hip. The base has a simple, single lotus petal design.
Kubera, god of wealth, seated on a lion
15th century
Gift of Michele Caplan
2000/2.155
A woodblock print on paper; the block was quite worn, resulting in broken or smudged lines.
Tibetan (Tibetan (culture or style))
Shakya Senge: Padmasambhava as a young monk
20th century
Museum purchase, Acquisition Fund
1973/1.808C
A bas-relief carving made of bone and in the shape of a lotus petal, depicting Pehar, a guardian of the Tibetan Buddhist faith, in wrathful form. At the base of the "petal" are the tops of mountains, with the waves of the sea visible between them; in the rounded part of the "petal,"  a border of flames encircles a dynamic image of Pehar, his garments flowing in the wind as he rides on a snow lion. The background behind Pehar is incised with closely spaced wavy lines, again suggesting flames.
Dorje Legpa Votive Plaque
18th century
Museum purchase made possible by the Margaret Watson Parker Art Collection Fund
1985/2.50
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