The sculptor
In 1260 C.E., a very versatile and talented young Nepalese artist named Aniko, headed a group of Nepali artists and craftsmen invited to the Mongol court on the recommendation of Lama Phags-pa. Aniko met and impressed Kublai Khan and was commissioned to undertake a number of projects including the design and creation of a gigantic stupa, large images and many paintings.

Aniko’s influence on Chinese Lamaist art was tremendous. He spent many years in China, trained a talented Chinese artist named Liu Yuan, and also worked on projects in collaboration with his own son, Acengge. In 1299, the Emperor commissioned Aniko to undertake 191 images and 64 paintings. And in 1304, a further 181 images were renewed and restored by him. Though little that survives can definitely be credited to Aniko’s hand, this important artist and sculptor was surely responsible for introducing specific techniques, conventions and materials from Nepal to China.