Buddhism
Galleries
@ the University of
Pennsylvania Museum
of Archaeology
and Anthropology
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This exhibition traces Buddhism from its 6th century B.C. origins in India, through its development along ancient land and sea routes leading into central Asia, China, Korea, Tibet and Southeast Asia, and up to the present age. The exhibition illustrates how Buddhism influenced the cultures it entered and was influenced by these very cultures. The exhibition consists of text panels, photographs, and a rich display
of more than 130 artifacts culled from the Museum's own collection of
pieces from the diverse cultures of Asia. A large, newly constructed Japanese
Buddhist altar is a highlight of the display. Taken as a whole, the exhibition
augments the superb Chinese sculpture and painting in the adjacent Chinese
Rotunda.
Explore the history of Buddhism... The exhibition presents perspectives on the origins of Buddhism in India, as it began with the historical Buddha, an Indian prince known as Siddhartha Guatama, born in the foothills of the Himalayas about 560 B.C., who set out on a quest for inner peace. A core of Buddha's teachings are presented in the exhibition. The so-called Great Tradition which spread from India into Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia by way of sea commerce was dominated by Theravada Buddhism (Doctrine of the Elders). One of the earliest forms of Buddhism, the Theravada doctrine stresses personal salvation through individual effort, and still exists in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia today. The branch of Buddhism that spread into China and Japan over land, along the ancient trade roads known as the Silk Routes, was Mahayana Buddhism (the Great Vehicle). Mahayana Buddhism grew out of a shift in emphasis from the individual to universal salvation. The Mahayana sect elaborated on the idea of a Boddhisatva, and Enlightened Being who postpones final Buddhahood in order to save all sentient beings, giving the sect wide popular appeal. |
 Wall painting of a head of a Bodhisattva ca. 750 A.D. |
 Glazed pottery statue of a lohan, T'ang Dynasty (618 - 906 A. D.) |
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Buddhism in China A beautiful gold gilt Maitreya, a statue of the Buddha of the Future, illustrates the artistic heights reached during the 6th century A.D. in China, an important period in the development of Buddhism. The small sculpture and paintings in the China section serve as an introduction to the Buddhist works of art on display in the Chinese Rotunda. |
 Standing Buddha of gray schist, Gandhara, India, 2nd cent. A.D. |
Buddhism in India and Central Asia The India section includes some of the earliest examples of Buddha's image. Gandharan heads, from a region in modern Pakistan, and bas relief fragments date to as early as the 2nd century A.D. The small section of Central Asia uses frescoes and photographs to illustrate the movement of Buddhism out of India towards China. Buddhism in Japan Japanese Buddhism is represented by a wide variety of pieces, ranging from a spectacular black, red, and gold lacquered sculpture of Fudo, the fiercest of the dieties who combat evil, to exquisite paintings on silk. A newly constructed altar, based on those in the Shingon Buddhist tradition, provides a grand centerpiece for the section. A seated gilt Buddha, accompanied by his two attending Boddhisatvas (Fugen, who rides a lion, and Monju, who rides an elephant), occupies the altar. These figures are surrounded by hanging ornaments, lanterns, and a table replete with offerings. |
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Buddhism in Tibet The section on Tibet displays items from daily religious life, such as prayer wheels, musical instruments, religious paintings, small statuettes, tea cups, and a butter lamp. Less familiar items include an apron carved from human bone and phurpas, ritual daggers used for exorcising evil spirits. Buddhism in Southeast Asia The exhibition concludes with Southeast Asian section,
which illustrates the "Three Jewels" of Buddhism: The Buddha
(the Enlightened One, also referred to as Sakyamuni, the
Historical Buddha); the Dharma (Buddhist Law, Truth,
Doctrine); and the Sangha (the community of monks and nuns).
On display are a monk's robe, a begging bowl, statuary, and
precious manuscripts. |
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