Source: CCTV.com

05-08-2009 09:26

Valuable pieces of historic Buddhist sculpture from China, Burma, Thailand and other Asian countries are being displayed in a major exhibition in Britain. The show is at a new gallery at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Around fifty sculptures and artworks are on display. They were created by craftsmen between 200 AD and 1850 and explore how Buddha was represented through art. It's part of "The Many Faces of Buddhism" festival, and experts say it brings together some of the finest examples of art in this field.

Valuable pieces of historic Buddhist sculpture from China, Burma, Thailand and other Asian countries are being displayed in a major exhibition in Britain.

John Clarke, the curator of Asian department of Victoria and Albert Museum said, "These really are the cream of our collection, aesthetically, and an art historically they're some our most important art objects that relate to Buddhism, and Buddhism is great the unifying theme."

One of the main features is the copper and gilded bearer of the lotus. It is thought to have been carved between 1300 to 1400 AD. One of the most widely worshiped saviours it demonstrates astonishing metalworking skills.

Another major piece is a gilded teak carving of a seated Buddha. The figure wears an elaborate five leaf crown with striking openwork side pieces.

John Clarke said, "It really is a very particular style from Myanmar from Burma which contrasts with the other Buddha's in that gallery, comes from North East Burma, and quite probably from the Shan ethnic area so it's a very particular and unusual style of object."

The new Buddhist Gallery is a permanent exhibition space at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. It's hoped visitors will interact, take in the atmosphere, and feel the spiritual side of these deeply religious artworks.

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Editor:Zhao Yanchen