Peaceful and Wrathful Deities of the Bardo

Peaceful and Wrathful Deities of the Bardo, 18th century (Tibet), pigments on cloth (Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art, Gift of Shelley and Donald Rubin, C2006.66.17)

A conversation with Dr. Elena Pakhoutova, Senior Curator, Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art, and Dr. Steven Zucker, Smarthistory

Rubin Museum Senior Curator Dr. Elena Pakhoutova and Smarthistory’s Dr. Steven Zucker explore the Buddhist concept of the bardo—the state in between death and rebirth—portrayed in an 18th-century Tibetan thangka painting.

The Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art has teamed up with Smarthistory to bring you an ‘up-close’ look at select objects from the Rubin’s preeminent collection of Himalayan art. Featuring conversations with senior curators and close-looking at art, this video series is an accessible introduction to the art and material culture of the Tibetan, Himalayan, and Inner Asian regions. Learn about the living traditions and art-making practices of the Himalayas from the past to today.