Himalayan Art Resources

Subject: Eyes in Himalayan Art

Abstract Concepts in Art

Subjects, Topics & Types:
- Description (below)
- Deities & Eyes
- Number
--- One Eye
--- Two Eyes
--- Three Eyes
--- 1000 Eyes
- Expression (Shape)
--- Peaceful Eyes
--- Semi-Peaceful/wrathful Eyes
--- Wrathful Eyes
- Orientation
--- Horizontal Eye
--- Vertical Eye
- Eyes in Contemporary Art
- Eye Coverings
- Others...

Video: A Question About Eyes

In the creation of art and the visual depictions of gods and deities there are generally three types of eyes in terms of shape. They are peaceful, semi-peaceful/wrathful and wrathful. Based on these three many more variations can be created by the artist to convey mood and temperament.

Generally for the number of eyes on the face there are only one, two or three with two eyes being the norm. Semi-peaceful and wrathful deities will often have three eyes as the norm.

Jeff Watt 7-2018 [updated 1-2022]

(The images below are only a selection of examples from the links above).