South Asian decorative arts & textiles art collection at ROM
19 Dec '07
3 min read
Nine thematically organized exhibit areas present the ROM's outstanding collection of South Asian religious objects and sculpture, decorative arts, arms and armour, miniature paintings and textiles, originating from countries such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Tibet.
Dr. Deepali Dewan, Curator of South Asian art in the ROM's World Cultures department and lead curator for the Sir Christopher Ondaatje South Asian Gallery states, “This gallery presents the history of South Asian art as a series of stories. Visitors can move easily within the space to find their favourite ones and their favourite artifacts.
There are some highly significant objects in the ROM's collection that the public should know about and the gallery provides the opportunity to finally showcase them. We thank Sir Christopher Ondaatje for his contribution and vision which has allowed us to accomplish this.”
The section of the Gallery titled Material Remains highlights the material culture of ancient South Asia from the Indus Valley Civilization (3500 - 1900 BC) in present-day Pakistan to the Sunga Period (3rd - 2nd century BC) in northern India.
Other sections include Imagining the Buddha, tracing the birth and development of Buddhist art from the 3rd to 5th centuries, especially focusing on the region of Gandhara; The Goddess, exploring icons of the feminine divine represented in both benevolent and wrathful forms; and Visualizing Divinity, showcasing representations of gods across several religions and their various manifestations over time.
Passage to Enlightenment presents the colourful arts of the Himalayan region, which gave concrete form to concepts of esoteric Buddhism, dating from the 15th century to the present day, while Courtly Culture describes lavish luxury items and displays of grandeur predominantly from the Mughal and Rajput courts.
marketing@alchempro.com
