Month: January 2020

NIGHT 114 – THE STORY OF ‘AZIZ AND ‘AZIZA

4 languages – a printed dharani Buddhist text in Manchu, Chinese, Mongolian and Tibetan which preserves the original Sanskrit sounds in each (China, 1758-73). In 1735-96 the Chinese Qianlong emperor controlled vast territories with populations speaking different languages, hence the need for this text. Although I study east-west exchange I also love the rich east-east interactions too

@bl @britishlibrary

#languages #multiplelanguages #multilingual #inspiration #1001nightsphd #vaishaliprazmari #bl #britishlibrary #text #easteast #easteastinteractions

NIGHT 113 – THE STORY OF ‘AZIZ AND ‘AZIZA

As part of my 1001 Nights PhD making 1001 artworks I want to learn 1001 Chinese characters (this figure of 1001 is quite significant to me). So, learning them together with my son, playfully, gradually and in a fun picture way… fun for him, serious for me (I need 5000 eventually, he can just enjoy the process!) So far, 7 on our fireplace (all numbers), 994 to go

#1001 #1001nightsphd #vaishaliprazmari #numbers #dates #calendar #chinesecharacters #chinese #1001chinesecharacters #wishmeluck

NIGHT 112 – THE STORY OF ‘AZIZ AND ‘AZIZA

Talismans and amulets are often confused and used interchangeably. The way I understand it is that amulets are more general and talismans more specific, ie talismans are magically charged for a specific purpose. They can both either protect against negative forces or bring good luck.

Guanyin (Avalokiteshvara) Sutra as an amulet: a couple earnestly want a child and Guanyin compassionately grants their wish (Dunhuang, China, c.10th century); Buddha teaching Chinese monk Xuanzang in Perfection of Wisdom Sutra on protective amulet scroll, to be worn on the body (Japan, 1960); paper amulet issued by temples to worshippers (China, early 20th century) @bl @britishlibrary

#amulets #talismans #protection #inspiration #1001nightsphd #vaishaliprazmari #paper

NIGHT 109 – THE STORY OF TAJ AL-MULUK KHARAN AND PRINCESS DUNYA

Another example of beautiful Pali language Burmese square script from 18th century Burma – a kammavaca (rules) manuscript made from used monastic robes (recycling!) covered in black lacquer and inlaid with mother of pearl. Just can’t believe it’s from the 18th century, looks so contemporary and also so well-preserved. A while ago I made my own inlaid lacquer painting Canopy of Stars and I remember how long that took – this is a whole lot more text inlay!

#burmesescript #beautifulscripts #bl #buddhism #vaishaliprazmari #canopyofstars #1001nightsphd #inspiration #lacquer #motherofpearl #buddhistmonks

NIGHT 108 – THE STORY OF TAJ AL-MULUK KHARAN AND PRINCESS DUNYA

January is also a time of DEADlines such as tax returns (haha). There are only 2 certainties in life, death and taxes. (I don’t tend to look forward to January!) So here is the Tibetan Book of the Dead describing the after-death experience. These pages show the various deities that are supposed to appear to the individual in the state between death and rebirth. @britishlibrary @buddhism @bl

#january #tibetanbookofthedead #bl #britishlibrary #buddhism #deathandtaxes #deadlines #looming #january

NIGHT 107 – THE STORY OF TAJ AL-MULUK KHARAN AND PRINCESS DUNYA

January is a good time to reflect on routines and Buddhism. Inspiration for my work and talismanic shirt series, I’m inspired by lots of scripts

Rules for monks (kammavaca) written with black lacquer on ivory sheets

These are recited at formal assemblies and ceremonies

The Burmese square script is beautiful; more on this to come in future posts

Pali language, 19th century Burma

British Library @britishlibrary @bl Buddhism exhibition @buddhismexhibition

#buddhism #january #beautifulscripts #talismanicshirt #inspiration #1001nightsphd #vaishaliprazmari #britishlibrary #globalscripts #calligraphy #beautifulwriting #rules #monks #monasticorder