Himalayan Art in 108 Objects is a visually stunning and intellectually engaging survey of one of the world’s most profound artistic traditions. Curated by leading scholars Karl Debreczeny and Elena Pakhoutova, this landmark volume presents 108 masterpieces from the Himalayan region, primarily drawn from the collections of the Rubin Museum of Art. Each object—ranging from intricate thangka paintings and ritual implements to sculptures and architectural fragments—embodies a rich fusion of religious devotion, aesthetic sophistication, and cultural exchange.

Through thematic essays and detailed object entries, the authors unravel the layers of meaning behind these artworks, exploring the philosophical, spiritual, and historical contexts in which they were created. The number 108, sacred in Buddhist cosmology, shapes the book’s structure and invites the reader to engage in a meditative journey through time and tradition.

This volume is not only a catalog of exceptional art—it is a gateway to understanding the complex worldviews and spiritual landscapes that have shaped Himalayan visual culture for over a thousand years.

Why read this book:

• Explore the diversity and depth of Himalayan art through 108 iconic objects

• Gain expert insights from renowned curators and scholars at the Rubin Museum

• Appreciate how visual culture reflects Buddhist, Hindu, Bon, and regional practices

• Ideal for students, practitioners, and collectors interested in Himalayan studies or sacred art

• Richly illustrated with high-quality images that bring the details of each artifact to life

About the Authors

Karl Debreczeny is Senior Curator of Himalayan Art at the Rubin Museum of Art. An expert in Tibetan and Himalayan visual culture, he has contributed extensively to scholarship on religious art, cross-cultural exchanges, and art history of the region.

Elena Pakhoutova is Curator of Himalayan Art at the Rubin Museum and a respected scholar of Buddhist art and iconography. Her work bridges academic rigor and curatorial vision, bringing complex histories to public audiences with clarity and depth.