Materials and movement across Asia

Begin with the relationship between a material and the image made from it. Shiva’s dance takes form in cast bronze. Carved limestone from Amaravati carries Buddhist stories through figures and recognisable signs. Different makers used these materials for different religious purposes. The visit also takes in jade and Chinese ceramics, including a David vase with an inscription dated 1351. The selection connects making, use and circulation without treating Asia as a single artistic tradition. The Amaravati group can be explored through the panels actually on view. Its Great Departure slab is currently stored. The original Admonitions Scroll is also off display and belongs to a separate collection reading, rather than a required stop on this visit.