The Tibetan Book of Proportions
Drawn on linen pages bound by wooden boards, this 18th-century pattern book delineates precise iconometric guidelines for depiction of the Buddha and Bodhisattva figures. The book was apparently produced in Nepal for use in Tibet. The 36 ink drawings are accompanied by Newari script with Tibetan numerals. The Nepali Newari writing suggests the manual may have been used in a collaboration between Newar and Tibetan artists.
The concept of the »ideal image« of the Buddha emerged during the Golden Age of Gupta rule, from the 4th to 6th century. As well as the proportions, other aspects of the depiction - such as number of teeth, colour of eyes, direction of hairs - became very important.
Published as public domain by Getty Research Institute Digital Collections