Treasures of Asia

The Treasures of Asia exhibit is a joint art project of the Guild of Ukrainian Antiquaries and the National Bohdan and Varvara Khanenko Art Museum. The most valuable part of the exposition is Buddhist artworks – statues of Buddha and bodhisattvas, as well as magic ritual objects – from China, Burma, Tibet, and Japan.

Halyna Bilenko, curator of the Oriental art section, says the exposition displays more than 30 “treasures” from the private collections antiquaries have acquired at auctions in various countries. The gems of the exhibit are ritual objects made by Tibetan jewelers, such as filigree ghaus (incense bags) with the images of protector deities and magic ornaments of the lama the oracle – a mandala (symbolic image of the Buddhist universe) and a gorgeous crown.

Buddhadharma – the teaching of Buddha – emerged about 2,500 years ago in India and was accepted by many Oriental nations with diverse cultural traditions. In the course of time, Buddhism produced its own art language and system of symbols, as well as a hierarchy of numerous characters. One of the most important characters in Buddhist art is the founder of this teaching – Prince Siddhartha Gautama – who received the title of Buddha (the Enlightened) after a spiritual awakening. Among the exhibit’s best items is a Chinese black marble statue of Buddha dating back to the Northern Wei dynasty era (China, 5th-6th centuries), a bronze statue of the crowned Buddha on the throne, a wooden gilded figure of Buddha Gautama of the Konbaung dynasty period (Burma, 1753-1885), as well as a statue of Buddha Amida adorned with colored varnishes (Japan). The exhibit will remain open until January 20.