“18th-Century Tibetan Iconometry: Sacred Proportions in Buddhist Art”

Creating a Buddhist statue requires strict adherence to scriptural guidelines outlined in texts like the Silpasastras and other Buddhist scriptures. Every aspect of the statue, including posture, mudras (hand gestures), and proportions, must conform to these sacred instructions. Adding extraneous elements not prescribed by the texts is considered improper, as each component symbolizes specific spiritual meanings. The proportions of the figure, such as the size of the head, torso, and limbs, are meticulously calculated to maintain harmony and convey divine qualities. This precision ensures the statue embodies the essence of the deity it represents, preserving its spiritual authenticity and serving as a true object of veneration.

These images are from an 18th-century Tibetan iconometric manual, illustrating the strict proportions and guidelines used in creating Buddha and Bodhisattva statues or paintings. The left page focuses on the precise measurements for a Buddha’s face, highlighting the detailed alignment of features such as the eyes, nose, and mouth. The red gridlines serve as a tool to ensure symmetry and proportion according to traditional Buddhist scripture. On the right page, the posture and gestures of the Buddha are outlined within a defined framework, ensuring every element adheres to sacred iconographic standards.

 

 These proportions are derived from ancient Buddhist texts, which emphasize that the depiction of deities must reflect divine perfection and maintain the spiritual essence of the subject. Artists cannot add or remove elements arbitrarily; every detail, from the size of the eyes to the curve of the posture, must align with these sacred guidelines. This meticulous process ensures the statue or painting is not only aesthetically accurate but also spiritually potent.

 The image serves as an invaluable reference, demonstrating how traditional artisans have maintained these sacred standards for centuries.

 

*Images source from https://publicdomainreview.org/collection/the-tibetan-book-of-proportions/*