Buddhist Ritual Card (Tsakali) 1200 - 1300

This Buddhist Ritual Card, or Tsakali, at the Minneapolis Institute of Art presents a contemplative figure rendered in earth tones on a small scale. The reddish-brown hues and the subject’s dark complexion against the lighter halo create a visual tension that draws the eye, prompting a sense of introspection. The card's structure is deceptively simple: a central figure seated in meditation, framed by geometric patterns. The artist's use of line to define form flattens the image, emphasizing its symbolic rather than representational qualities. The composition, with its subtle asymmetries and detailed hand gestures, invites a semiotic reading. Here, the hand placement may act as a signifier within the complex iconography of Buddhist practice. Ultimately, the power of this Tsakali lies in its ability to destabilize the conventional notions of depth and perspective. The artist prompts a deeper engagement with the symbol and the spiritual context it inhabits. The formal properties of the artwork challenge us to see beyond the surface and consider the profound layers of meaning encoded within.