Unknown whys to be revealed

by in Archives
Bodhisattva Kshitigarbha and the Kings of Hell, Korea, late 19th or early 20th century, late Joseon Period (1392–1912). Colors and cloth. Newark Museum, Gift of Dr. and Mrs. John P. Lyden, 2001, 2001.75.1.

 

NASHVILLE, TN – (AAPNW) – Opening Friday, February 10, 2017 at the Frist Center for the Visual Arts, nearly 100 paintings and sculptures reveal a complex array of both human and divine figures, made between the late thirteenth and early twentieth centuries, we be on exhibit in the “Secrets of Buddhist Art: Tibet, Japan, and Korea” in the Ingram Gallery.

Seated Buddha, Japan, Edo Period (1603–1868). Wood, gold, and lacquer. Newark Museum, Bequest of Joseph S. Isidor, 1941, 41.340A-C.

 

Organized by the Newark Museum exclusively for the Frist Center, the art of Buddhism can be examined in-depth; including visitors have the opportunity to explore one of the great faiths of the world through paintings and sculptures made by Japanese, Korean and Tibetan artists.

Attributed to Gyeju (flourished ca. 1680s). Seated Buddha, Korea, 17th century, Joseon Period (1392–1912). Wood, lacquer, gold, and rock crystal. Newark Museum, Purchase 2013 Mr. and Mrs. William V. Griffin Fund, 2013.26.

The exhibition provides a basic understanding the functions of these artistic objects within the esoteric or “secret” Vajrayana branch of Buddhism. The thematic groupings within the exhibit will offer viewers the ability to compare the cultures’ interpretations of Buddhism and their distinguishing aesthetic forms and styles. In addition on opening, Katherine Anne Paul, Arts of Asia Curator at the Newark Museum, will give an illustrated lecture titled “Unlocking the Secrets of Buddhist Art: Tibet, Japan, and Korea.”

 

Crowned Buddha, Tibet, 15th–16th centuries. Mercury gilding, copper alloy, and turquoise. Newark Museum, Purchase 1920 Shelton Collection, 20.454.

With a world-renowned Buddhist art collection, the Newark Museum has of over 5,000 objects and for the first time in Nashville/Frist Center, a selection of traditional Korean art, including a major depiction of the Geumgangsan Diamond Mountains on a folding screen, as well as 15 other pieces will be on view.

Other programming included in this exhibition is: Seven Tibetan monks from Drepung Loseling Monastery in India. They will construct a sand mandala in the gallery and visitors can watch the monks carefully place millions of grains of colored sand into an elaborate design. On Sunday, May 7, the monks will return for the Frist Center’s Free Family Festival Day, ritually destroying the mandala in a closing ceremony that symbolizes impermanence.

Additional events can be found at: www.frist.org or call 615.244.3340.