the tibetan himalayan style 139
in the assembly hall of Keru temple are represented frontally, static with no
implied movement, with long arms and straight legs. A date corresponding
approximately to the founding period of the temple can be proposed mainly
on stylistic grounds.
However, taking into consideration a comparison to other images of
the Tibetan Himalayan Style, a tenth century date seems more prudent. The
question here is whether Keru indicates a route of stylistic transmission from
Central Asia to Tabo. Another look at the Phase I sculptures from the Tabo
cella (fig. 4.7) demonstrates closer connections to the Dunhuang banners, and
thus suggests the possibility of a more direct connection between the “two”
Figure 4.8 Bodhisattvas, cella of temple of Keru (Tib. Ke ru lha khang), tenth century.
Photo: Deborah Klimburg-Salter 2004 © WHAV.