The story appears on

Page B5

August 26, 2016

GET this page in PDF

Free for subscribers

View shopping cart

Related News

Home » City specials » Hangzhou

Buddhist sculpture through the ages at local museum

THE art of Buddhist sculpture took root in China during the Han Dynasty (202 BC-AD 220) when Buddhism spread across the country from India.

Chinese artisans created splendid figurines and statues integrating Indian characteristics with local folk craftsmanship. The art reached new heights in the Southern and Northern Dynasty (420-589), a time when numerous sculpting masters were active.

Now through September 25, visitors to the Zhejiang Art Museum can see 118 ancient Buddhist busts, sculptures and figurines for themselves. These were collected by Li Wei, who has been collecting Buddhist antiques for 40 years.

The exhibition is divided into three parts. The first part showcases pieces from the 13th to 19th centuries discovered in Qinghai and Gansu provinces and Tibet Zang Autonomous Region.

Throughout the Yuan (1271-1368), Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, it was a tradition for Chinese emperors to confer exquisite Buddhist sculptures on Tibetan religious leaders. This was a way to strengthen the bond between Tibet and the royal court.

These sculptures featured Tibetan and Han style carving, gilding, forging and design techniques. Their multifarious shapes and vivid expressions typify the workmanship of the time and reflect cultural exchanges between Tibetan and Han people. Today, they are regarded as some of the best examples of Buddhist sculpture art.

The second part includes gold sculptures made during the Yongle and Xuande reigns in the Ming Dynasty. Most of these objects were done in royal style and demonstrate top-notch carving skills as they were made according to imperial tribute standards.

The last part showcases objects from the Qing Dynasty. After centuries of development, the Han and Tibetan sculpture styles had thoroughly merged by this time, as can be seen in the displayed imperial Buddhist sculptures.

During the Kangxi, Qianlong and Yongzheng reigns, Chinese arts boomed along with the economy. Bronze and gold sculptures were produced according to stringent requirements. They also featured luxurious imperial designs which influenced Chinese art into the following centuries.

 

Zhejiang Art Museum

Date: Through September 25 (closed on Mondays)

Admission: Free




 

Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.

沪公网安备 31010602000204号

Email this to your friend