Sphere No.49 (Aug 2019)

SPHERE #47 2019 22 TSZ SHAN MONASTERY BUDDHIST ART MUSEUM >> Standing Ś a- kyamuni Buddha comes from one of India’s ancient kingdoms, now near northern Pakistan and eastern Afghanistan. Hellenistic rule left its mark, as regional art is stylistically influenced by Greco– Roman art. The realistic style of Gandha- ran sculptures is evident. Mr Li contemplates this delicately crafted marvel from the Northern Qi dynasty in China (550–577 CE), one of his favourites. Qingzhou statuary’s uniqueness is on full display in this icon, through an otherworldly placidity and kindness visible in the Buddha’s countenance. Head of Buddha with Regal Crown is a rare example of a Buddha with a crown and jewellery. The tall crown is elaborately and exquisitely constructed with continuous beads, flowers and beaded floral motifs. This Buddha head is believed to have been produced in Shanxi in the mid-Ming dynasty (c. 15th century). Guanyin Bodhisattva Seated on Lion Mount hails from the Chinese Ming dynasty (c. 15th century). This statue features Chinese elements for imperial Buddhist statuary using the characteristic style of early Ming (1368–1644 CE). of holy writings from the Dunhuang area in Gansu Province. The sutras provide spiritual guidance for visitors and a focus of contemplation for scholars. Kept in strictly controlled environmental conditions, the sutras are exhibited in rotation to preserve their integrity. It is important to remember that the artefacts transcend the status of historical record. Each one has been an object of ritual, supporting the pilgrim’s walk on the path of enlightenment. In a sense, they have found a new home in which to play that role in Tsz Shan Monastery. The history and philosophy of Buddhism will come to life through educational programmes for visitors. The Museum’s setting, deep in the heart of the Monastery, will see visitors move through the holy spaces of the larger temple before coming into the even more serene interiors where the artefacts are presented in gentle illumination. The Tsz Shan Monastery Buddhist Art Museum houses a collection of over 100 Buddhist artefacts from a range of time periods and styles. The Buddhist traditions represented are the three major ones: Chinese Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism and Southern Buddhism. Their presentation examines not only how these traditions interact with each other, but also how Buddhism integrates with other cultures. The collection also includes 43 Dunhuang sutra manuscripts. These are collections