The making of...The Song Deer

The Song Deer (ཤ་བ་གཞས་ལེན་མ། / The Singing Deer) brings the gift of serenity and harmony. Its presence is of happiness, but also sensitivity and watchfulness. It is accompanied by gentle music; conch shell trumpets are softly played, and the breeze of the white cranes’ wings herald its arrival. The parasol protects those around from harmful forces, and winter flowers blossom as The Song Deer nears.

ILLUSTRATION IN PROGRESS

This design features a peaceful deer in the centre, a symbol of serenity, calm, harmony and peace in traditional Buddhist art. The deer wears a headdress of antique Tibetan jewellery, and lays upon a cloud of stylised lotus petals, as depicted in thangka designs.

Above the deer’s head floats a parasol of peacock feathers, casting a shadow of spiritual protection, and embroidered fabrics drape over its back. Four intricately carved, silver-clad conch shell trumpets hover around the central character, while lotus and wisteria flowers represent purity and humility. Two gentle cranes flank the design, symbolising longevity and wisdom. The side borders feature an interlocking daisy motif, representing purity of the mind, while in the centre of each side border sits a vajra, a potent symbol of enlightenment.