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Illustrated White Beryl Elemental Divination Manuscript
OriginSakya Monastery, Tsang region, Central Tibet
Datemid-18th century
DimensionsObject size: 2 1/4 × 23 7/8 × 4 1/4 in.
Page size: 4 1/8 × 23 1/2 in. (average size)
Page size: 4 1/8 × 23 1/2 in. (average size)
MediumPigment on cloth
Classification(s)
Credit LineRubin Museum of Art
Object numberC2015.7
Project Himalayan Arthttps://projecthimalayanart.rubinmuseum.org/essays/the-white-beryl-illuminated-manuscript/
DescriptionThis illustrated manuscript of the White Beryl, a standard seventeenth century work on divination and astrology written by the regent to the Fifth Dalai Lama, Desi Sanggye Gyatso (1653–1705), was rendered in the same style as the elaborate illustrations typical of Gyatso’s famous set of medical paintings. Executed after his death, the manuscript has hundreds of small paintings on a total of ninety four folios enclosed within a pair of beautifully painted, red and gold lacquered wooden book covers decorated with dragon and flower patterns. On several folios this manuscript shows Manjushri as the source of knowledge about divination. Other illustrations on the leaves range from the divination of obstacle years to ill health and death and include dozens of calculation charts.Not on view
18th century
18th century
19th century
ca. 13th-14th century
ca. 13th-14th century
