Handheld Prayer Wheel

Handheld Prayer Wheel, early 20th century (central Tibet), silver, wood, semi-precious stones, 19.6 x 5 x 4.5 inches (Rubin Museum of Art, New York)
speakers: Dr. Elena Pakhoutova, Senior Curator Himalayan Art at the Rubin Museum of Art and Dr. Steven Zucker
Rubin Museum senior curator Dr. Elena Pakhoutova and Smarthistory’s Dr. Steven Zucker take a look at an ornate handheld prayer wheel, which are ritual objects that are ubiquitous in Tibetan Buddhist culture. The action of turning a prayer wheel with conscious intent is believed to “recite” or “read” the mantras, activating and releasing them into the world for the benefit of all.
The Rubin Museum of 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.
Learn more about prayer wheels on Project Himalayan Art, a resource from the Rubin for learning about Himalayan, Tibetan, and Inner Asian art and cultures:
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About the Rubin
The Rubin is a global museum dedicated to sharing Himalayan art through a dynamic digital platform, participatory experiences, exhibitions, and partnerships. Inspired and informed by Himalayan art, the Rubin invites people to contemplate the human experience and deepen connections with the world around them in order to expand awareness, enhance well-being, and cultivate compassion.
View the Himalayan Art Up Close series: / playlist
Subscribe to the Rubin Museum KZbin channel: / @rubinmuseum
Images: Handheld Prayer Wheel; Central Tibet; early 20th century; silver, wood; Rubin Museum of Art; gift of Shelley and Donald Rubin; SC2012.7.2

[@markaurelius3119]

The good intention is a key to happiness ☺️

[@webstercat]

The road to hell is paved with good intentions

[@magicknight13]

Incroyable! C'est magnifique 🤯

[@josephmessner5312]

Sehr interessant !

[@user-wc8gi7bp6q]

What a beautiful object. The detail is superb. Interesting that right intention is critical, not just doing the mechanical action, a bit like the idea of the rosary with Catholics

[@Sasha0927]

I'll continue the tradition of comments in foreign languages: Este video es muy interesante como siempre! 🙃 I've never seen an object quite like this one! It makes me wonder how tangible things may help me with my own spiritual practices.. Jumping back and forth from your classics to a video like this, I have to say, you guys have always done amazing work, but the editing on this was stunning! I loved the flip-and-zoom that was done on the reliquary itself to help us better appreciate its intricate inscriptions, really amazing to see! You guys got me with the solar powered prayer wheel - I loved that bit of innovation! .😂❤ There was a lot of innovation to appreciate in this one, all told.

[@smarthistoryvideos]

Muy apreciado. We try to do what we can to make the object clear (basically to overcome the limitations of not being able to move around the object as you could in person) but without being too heavy handed. Since we want the focus to stay on the work of art.

[@Sasha0927]

@@smarthistoryvideos Ay, que bueno! lol. 👏😄 But yes, your photos are phenomenal and the editing work enhances it! Your videos are (increasingly) amazing. ❤️

[@webstercat]

Is it Blue Tooth capable?