Archaic Bronzes and Tibetan Jade

Abstract

The idea that Tibetan art can be highly sophisticated and refined is not likely to occur to the average student of art. Even to most of those whose interest lies in the Far East, the word Tibet conjures up the kaleidoscopic image of yaks, snow, filth, lamas, of grotesque idols and masks, and perhaps some greasy temple banners. It is then somewhat of a shock to realize that the exquisite jades on display at Ton-Ying and Company were made in Tibet as New Year gifts and sent to China for the delectation of the Manchu Emperor, Ch'ien Lung.