Whether to convey the traditions, beliefs, and values of diverse cultures of Asia or form a connection between nature, space, and time, Asian art witnesses the journey of human and societal evolution. To be part of this journey in the present day, Rijksmuseum brings together more than 75 bronze masterpieces in the exhibition of Asian Bronze 4000 Years of Beauty, from 27 September 2024 – 12 January 2025.
The art display portrays more than 75 bronze masterpieces from prehistoric artifacts to contemporary artworks from India, China, Indonesia, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Pakistan, Nepal, and Korea. Among this collection, most of them make their journey to the Netherlands for the first time and few more than 15 have never been shown in Europe before, making the event one of a kind. Displaying the statues of Buddha, Shiva, and Vishnu among other sculptures, it further stimulates its senses with bronze, mirrors, weapons, bells, wine vessels, and incense burners of different shapes like lions, elephants, or other mythical creatures.
Taco Dibbits, General Director Rijksmuseum informs,
“Never before has the Rijksmuseum collaborated with Asian countries on such a large scale. We are grateful that we can show many unique masterpieces in Europe for the first time. The skill and creativity of the ancient artisans inspire deep admiration for their unparalleled artistic talent.”
The exhibition features works majorly from six museums in various Asian countries- the National Museum in Bangkok (six works including Buddha under Naga’s hood), the Museum of Contemporary Art in Bangkok, the National Museum of Delhi and Bihar Museum (India), the Museum Sonobudoyo (Yogyakarta, Indonesia), and the National Museum of Karachi (Pakistan). In addition to these works from the Asian Museums, this exhibition further features masterpieces from the European and US collections, including a wine vessel in the form of an elephant (China, Shang dynasty, 18th-11th century BCE) from the Musée Guimet, Paris, and the figure of Yashoda With the Infant Krishna (India, 12th century CE) from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Lastly, it features Rijksmuseum’s own Asian collection, including Shiva Nataraja (India, 12th century CE) and the recently acquired statue of Guhyasamaya Aksobhya (Tibet, 15th century CE), which will be on view for the first time.
Designed by the Dutch designer Aldo Bakker and graphically designed by Irma Boom, the exhibition is accompanied by a book on Asian Bronze, 4000 Years of Beauty, written by its curators in Dutch and English. Further, a symposium on these Asian bronzes will be held at the museum on 9 and 10 January 2025.
This beautiful interconnectivity of different museums to depict the extensive and rich culture of Asia through an exhibition is a tremendous task by Rijksmuseum.
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Featured Image: Guhyasamaya Aksobhya, Tibet, 15th century. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam; Rijksmuseum.
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