Ashmolean Eastern Art Online, Yousef Jameel Centre for Islamic and Asian Art

Hinduism and Buddhism became established at an early date in Nepal, close to the north Indian heartland. From the Licchavi period (AD 300-850), the Newar artists of the Kathmandu Valley showed outstanding skills in stone and bronze sculpture, reinterpreting Indian models in new styles which also influenced the art of Tibet.

Buddhism first reached Tibet, isolated by its high mountain ranges, around AD 650. In later periods it transformed Tibetan society, with large sections of the population living in monasteries. After 1200, the art and teachings of Indian Buddhism were preserved and further developed in the monasteries of Tibet. This unbroken cultural tradition survived intact until the 1950s when Chinese rule was imposed on the country.

Nepal

Tibet 700-1400

Tibetan brass talismanic plaques or tokchas

Tibet 1400-1900

Freestanding sculpture and Tibetan thangkas