Search Results: Tibet and Nepal from Orchid Press

Bangkok: Orchid Press, 2015. Memoirs of a 'dob-dob' or fighting monk, trained to keep the peace in a monastic community of several thousand monks, during and after the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1959. Compiled by Hugh Richardson and edited by Tadeusz Skorupski. 135 pp.. Reprint. Soft Cover. New. 21.5 x 15.2 cm.

Bangkok: Orchid Press, 2004. Subtitle : 'Writer, Painter and Art Historian of Nepal'. The life of Lain Singh Bangdel (1912-2002), Nepalese writer, painter and art historian, was infused with a deep understanding and empathy for the oppressed of his native land. His artistic works served both to interpret and to preserve the rich ancient culture of his country. His novels, written early in his life, altered the course of Nepali literature with their realistic descriptions of downtrodden Nepalese. As a painter, he achieved lasting acclaim for his innovative leadership and became known as the 'father of modern art in Nepal'. As an art historian, Bangdel toiled tirelessly to document, clarify and preserve the rapidly vanishing relics of Kathmandu Valley's ancient past. An inspiring biography of a true 'renaissance man' of Nepal. xviii, 258 pp., 46 colour and 34 b&w plates, chronology, notes, bibliography, index . First Edition. Hard Cover. New/New. 24.5 x 17.5 cm.

Bangkok: Orchid Press, 2000. This classed bibliography provides citations to all aspects of the hand crafted textile traditions of India, Nepal, Pakistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. Topics include bibliographies and reference material, textile glossaries, museum, gallery and private collection publications, broad treatments of textiles, histories, accounts of the textiles of particular groups or made by various communities, religious textiles, techniques, fibers and clothing. 390 pp., 3,900 entries, geographic and personal name indices. First Edition. Hard Cover. New/New. 21.5 x 15.2 cm.

Bangkok: Orchid Press, 2006. This pioneering monograph on the anthropology of the Badi, an untouchable caste in West Nepal whose livelihood depends on the proceeds of prostitution, served to raise awareness of the risks of their way of life, and to facilitate empowerment of new leaders within their communities. While the initial focus of aid organizations was on prevention of the spread of the HIV virus, the ensuing resources, training and encouragement provided by these various agencies have changed the Badi's culture of fatalism and have facilitated the development of effective new Badi women leaders. It is hoped that the republication of this study will continue to spread awareness about the Badi and to stimulate further activities which protect the Badis' basic rights of self-determination and freedom from persecution. 50 pp., table of Badi argot, appendix on Badi religion and origin myths, bibliography. Second edition, revised. Soft Cover. New/n/a. 21.5 x 15.2 cm.

Bangkok: Orchid Press, 2001. This book presents findings of research on a particular form of Buddhist ritual practised by Sakyas and Vajracaryas, the inheritors of the monastic tradition and the highest Buddhist castes among the Newars, the indigenous peoples of the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. The author presents an authentic record of a unique form of Buddhist devotionalism and ritual : the everyday practices of the sole remnant of South Asia's once extensive Mahayana Buddhist community. The exoteric liturgies performed each day are described and the relationship of these rites to other elements of Newar Buddhist practice are analysed, in order to shed light on connections between the latter and Buddhist practices elsewhere. A major contribution to the study of South Asian ritual and Buddhist devotional practice. 387 pp., 23 colour and 11 b&w illustrations, bibliography, index. First Edition. Hard Cover. New/New. 22 x 16 cm.

Bangkok: Orchid Press, 2003. "The civilization of the Tibetan people is disappearing before our very eyes, and apart from a few gentle protests here and there, the rest of the world lets it go without comment and without regret. Many civilizations have declined and disintegrated in the past, but it is rare that one has the opportunity of being an informed witness of such events." (from the Preface) This revised edition of the classic work on the rapidly vanishing civilization of Tibet traces the evolution of Tibetan culture from its origins to Tibet's fall to the Chinese Communists in 1959 and the subsequent relocation of Tibetan culture and many Tibetan people. The authors illuminate the many facets of Tibetan culture, including the geography of Tibet, religion, artistic and literary development, and contemporary Tibetan politics. In discussing the history of this rich Central Asian civilization, they draw parallels with developments in historical Western Europe as well as detail the… Read More

Bangkok: Orchid Press, 2004. In this lively and engaging new work on conceptions ofTibet in Western European and American societies, anthropologist Brauen paints a damning portrait of misinterpretation, trivialization and political and commercial exploitation of a rich and ancient culture. Starting with idealistic adventurers in search of a Himalayan Utopia from the 17th century onward, Brauen's most disturbing portrayals are the distortions of 20th century neo-Nazis, Hollywood moguls and the commercial-industrial complex. The author analyses and describes the cynical exploitation, up to the present, of Tibetan Buddhism--a fundamental objective of which is the elimination of human greed--to further Western commercial aims. Nor does Brauen absolve Tibetans themselves in the use of the more benign, even flattering, of these distorted images as they strive to draw the world's attention to their politically and socially tenuous situation. Illustrations include a diverse and at times shocking… Read More

Hong Kong: Chinese University of HK, 2001. A massive and definitive work on the art and technology of ancient glass in China. While glass was also imported into early China from the Middle East, Chinese glass technology seems to have developed independently and domestic products are significantly different in design, function and chemical composition. Objects discussed and illustrated date from the Warring States period to the Qing, a range of some 2,000 years in total. Early Chinese beads are particularly spectacular; other production included ritual and burial objects, adornments such as pendants, belts and ear ornaments, seals and vessels. Essays and descriptions in Chinese, with two important essays on chemical and EDXRF analysis of glass samples in English. All captions bilingual English/Chinese. 518 pp., over 480 colour photos and hundreds of b&w drawings, chronology, map, bibliography. Light tape residue marks on endpapers; slight spotting on top fore-edges, otherwise a clean, unread copy.… Read More

Bangkok: Orchid Press, 2005. Eastern Tibet, including the historic territories of Kham and Amdo, may rightfully claim to be the cradle of Tibetan culture. As early as the first millennium of our era, Eastern Tibet was of international relevance, as three branches of the Silk Road passed through its borders. A result of its role as a crossroad and meeting point in early East Asia was the emergence in the region of a rich cultural mosaic, and today, archaeological remains of Hellenistic, Iranian, Sogdian and Chinese cultures testify to this diversity. Over the past thousand years, Eastern Tibet has also been a centre of deep spirituality. Some 10,000 nuns and monks studying at the monastic University of Larung Gar, as well as the Amdo roots of present XIVth Dalai Lama, testify to the importance of this region to the religious traditions of all Tibetans. This volume, illustrated with more than 250 extraordinary colour photographs, is the first study dedicated solely to the culture of Eastern Tibet-a… Read More

Bangkok: Orchid Press, 2002. With an introduction by Tristram Pye, and a new forward by George Mallory II. The first of several biographies of the Everest pioneer, George Mallory, whose body was dramatically recovered on the mountain 1999, this was the only biography written by a contemporary, fellow mountaineer and close personal friend. Long regarded as containing some of the finest detail of all mountaineering literature, this work, often quoted in later biographies, was published for the first and only previous time in 1927. Long out of print and previously virtually unobtainable. 208 pp., 6 b&w plates. Second edition. Hard Cover. New/new. 21.5 x 15.2 cm.

Bangkok: Orchid Press, 1999. The first full biography of the mountaineer whose remains were recovered on Everest in 1999. Portrays this heroic climber as a man also of broad interests, immense charm, and devotion to family and friends. 279 pp., 21 b&w plates, 5 maps, index. Second edition. Soft Cover. New. 21.5 x 15.2 cm.

Bangkok: Orchid Press, 1998. A meticulous photographic and descriptive record of the theft of religious art from the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, over the past 20 years, and a damning indictment of the international art thieves who were the perpetrators. Of particular emotional impact are the many "before" and "after" shots of the desecrated sites. 212 pp., 186 colour and b&w plates, map, bibliography, index. First English Edition. Soft Cover. As New/n/a. 28 x 22 cm.

Kathmandu: Bibliotheca Himalayica, 2003. In this new edition of his travalogue of an exploratory trek through western Nepal in 1952, the legendary linguist and Tibetologist, Giuseppi Tucci, describes his experiences and discoveries as the first 20th century western scholar to travel through the region. His account preserves an invaluable record of the art, culture, social and religious practices of the inhabitants of Mustang, prior to the inevitable changes that have since occurred, with the intrusion of the modern world and regional politics into this ancient land. 253 pp., 80 b&w plates, 1 map. A new/unread copy.. Second edition. Soft Cover. New. 24 x 18 cm.

Bangkok: Orchid Press, 1998. Full subtitle : "The Oral tradition from the Land of Zhangzhung Depicted on Two Tibetan Paintings". In this pioneering work, the author analyses two rare Tibetan thangkas, enabling him to shed light on the history and theory of a little known meditative discipline practised by adherents of the ancient Bon religion. xix, 120 pp., 68 colour plates, map, bibliography, index.. First Edition. Soft Cover. Near fine. 22 x 19 cm.

Bangkok: Orchid Press, 1983. A comprehensive monograph on a region not well covered in past cartographic studies. Gurung discusses the historical development of Nepalese maps, both indigenous and foreign, and continues with sections on political, topographic, relief, geological, ecological, trekking, town and photographic mapping. Concludes with a discussion of relevant publications and a useful chart detailing the height of the Himalayan peaks along Nepal's northern border. 100 pp., author index, 19 b&w and 9 colour maps illustrated, including one large fold-out map. First Edition. Soft Cover. Cover scuffed, otherwise good. 21 x 19 cm.

Bangkok: Orchid Press, 1983. This book, in the form of a guide to the country, may be a little dated now in terms of the practical information listed, but it is a rich and concise source on many aspects of the country which are difficult to find elsewhere. The author writes from some 20 years' experience in the country and the sections on geography, climate, population, history, art, religion, nature and the Tibetan and Nepalese festival calendars are particularly well presented and relevant. A valuable book for all who love this enduringly fascinating Himalayan kingdom. 251 pp., 29 colour plates, numerous maps and charts, with data on as diverse subjects as, for example, attributes of the many divinities, maximum altitudes for various species of birds and fauna, equipment required for various levels of treks, etc. etc.. revised. Soft Cover. Very Good. 23 x 12 cm.

Bangkok: Orchid Press, 2000. A detailed and beautifully illustrated overview of the history and typology of Tibetan rugs and the learning of the weavers' art. The first English language treatise on the subject by native Tibetan authorities. 160 pp., 154 colour plates, endplate maps, glossary, bibliography, index. First Edition. Hard Cover. New/New. 29 x 22 cm.

Bangkok: Orchid Press, 2000. A detailed and beautifully illustrated overview of the history and typology of Tibetan rugs and the learning of the weavers' art. The first English language treatise on the subject by native Tibetan authorities. 160 pp., 154 colour plates, endplate maps, glossary, bibliography, index. First Edition. Soft Cover. New/n/a. 29 x 22 cm.

Bangkok: Orchid Press, 2002. A remarkable personal account of a sojourn of nearly eight years in Tibet, ending in 1952, compiled from the notes, sketches and photographs of Peter Aufschnaiter. An Austrian agricultural engineer, Aufschaiter developed a deep love and sympathy for the Tibetan people, sentiments which were readily reciprocated. Throughout his stay in Tibet, Aufschnaiter worked tirelessly not only to understand the people, their culture and religion, but also to share his skills in any area which could improve their lot. A brilliant linguist, mountaineer and observer, Aufschnaiter provides us with the most detailed and sensitive record available of the Tibetans and their way of life, on the eve of the Chinese invasion which was to wreak such irreversible damage to this unique culture. 208 pp., 70 b&w and 67 colour plates, 11 maps in text and one separate large (70 x 60 cm) colour fold-out map of Lhasa in back pocket. A rich and fascinating account, now rare. . First English Edition.… Read More

Bangkok: Orchid Press, 2006. This account of plant-hunter and explorer Frank Kingdon-Ward's 1933 expedition to the southeastern corner of Tibet was as significant for his geographic revelations as it was for the wealth of plant species with which he returned. On this journey Kingdon-Ward reached as far as the Salween River, a particularly remote area of Tibet not previously known or mapped in the West. His lively descriptions of the grand mountain ranges he traversed, the hardships overcome and the plants, fauna and people he encountered are complemented by spectacular photographs. The recollection of such adventures as his sojourn in a remote Buddhist gompa, the frontier justice meted out to a suspected murderer and many other tales enroute make this a gripping and informative read for the Tibetologist, botanist and armchair explorer alike. Second imprint 2006 (first edition London 1934). 317 pp, 19 b&w plates, 2 maps, notes, index. . Second edition. Soft Cover. New. 21.5 x 15.2 cm.