Buddhist sculpture at the V&A
The Great Departure of the Buddha. Pakistan, 100-200 AD. Museum no. IM 30-1935
Drawing on the finest depictions of the Buddha from the V&A's renowned Asian collections, the Robert H N Ho Family Foundation Gallery explores the major Buddhist sculptural traditions of Asia.
Forty-seven Buddhist master works are shown in a spacious, naturally-lit environment, avoiding the use of cases wherever possible. The sculptures are grouped primarily by geographical region, showing the individual responses of local Asian traditions to Indian Buddhist teachings. Each room explores the development of Buddhist doctrines as they are reflected in sculptural form. Sculptures dating from between the 2nd and 19th centuries in a wide variety of media including stone, gilded metal and lacquered wood are displayed.
Features include early Indian and Sri Lankan traditions and the life events of the Buddha; the last phase of Indian Buddhism and the transference of the doctrines to the Himalayan regions of Tibet and Nepal; and a look at the Mahayana and Vajrayana teachings which were so important to Tibet and elsewhere in Asia.
Other displays include works from South East Asia, primarily from Thailand, Burma and Java and an exploration of the Theravada teachings which were to be of central importance to the region. Works from China and Japan are displayed; the religious themes including the varied Mahayana doctrines which formed the most important schools.
The Buddha competes in an Archery Contest. Java, 700-800 AD. Museum no. IM 172-1926
Read Antony Gormley's review of the Buddhist Sculpture Gallery in the Financial Times
British Design 1948–2012: Innovation in the Modern Age
31 March–12 August 2012
Showcasing over 300 British design objects, this exhibition celebrates the best of British post-war art and design from the 1948 ‘Austerity Games' to the summer of 2012.
More detailsShop online
Figured in Marble: The Making and Viewing of 18th-Century Sculpture
An authoritative account of 18th-century British sculpture, lavishly illustrated with works of art from the V&A and J. Paul Getty Museums, private collections and churches.
Buy nowEvent - Intercultural Tour - The depiction of the female in Asian religious traditions
Mon 28 May 2012 13:00
FREE TALK: Take a comparative look at the depiction of the female in Buddhist, Jain and Hindu traditions, explore the diverse roles that the women played in their respective societies.
