Feb 17

Feb 17 Asian Civilizations Museum

Each weekend I explore a little bit more of this incredible nation and I’ll be sharing in this space three stops every purposeful tourist should consider including in a visit. As a 7th grade history teacher in California, I get the opportunity to share South and East Asian history with my students, so visiting the Asian Civilizations Museum was a must. The National Gallery of Singapore contains extraordinary art created by Southeast Asians and European colonizers throughout history. They also had a special minimalist exhibition in place when I visited. Finally, I recently completed the trifecta by making my way to the Singapore Botanical Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll find part one of a three part post below.

I thought I would try out a new feature of this blog theme, so I hope you enjoy the first of three photo essays.

ASIAN CIVILIZATIONS MUSEUM

Gandhara, a 4th century bodhisattva

This large head greats you as you enter the first exhibit which covers the early influences of Buddhism in Southeast Asia. This terracotta image comes from Pakistan and you can see the Mediterranean influence in the curly hair

The Teaching Buddha

A classic pose with the hand pointing upward. This figure has a halo behind to identify spirituality.

Bodhisattva Dizang

This 8th century stone figure represents the monk Dizang, who is seen here with a very stern look on his face. His role is to help poor souls escape the Ten Courts of Hell. He holds a powerful wish-granting jewel.

Walking Buddha

The 15th century bronze statue is from Thailand. This is an uncommon pose of the Buddha as he is seen upright and walking. He is making a gesture of fearlessness. His top-knot in this part of the world is represented by a flame (enlightenment).

The Silk Road

Singapore was a stop on the maritime Silk Road and this plaque describing the global trade routes at the time reflects our California History Framework perfectly.

St. Francis Xavier

Traders along the Silk Road brought Christianity to Asia. This 17th century wood panel depicts the famous Jesuit performing a miracle during his travels on his way to China.

Fumi-e

In the late middle ages, Japan closed its borders and banned outside influences like Christianity. It did not entirely stop Christian worship, but drove it underground as open worship was punishable by torture and death. Catholics that were caught were sometimes given the option of denying their faith publicly by stepping on this stone representation of the crucifixion. This act can be found in the book and film, Silence.

Virgin and Child

This carved ivory statue comes from Sri Lanka and dates to the mid-16th century. It’s believed to be carved by a Buddhist artist who included details from his faith, such as Mary wearing a monk’s robe. She and Jesus also have three incised lines on their necks, which are commonly found on images of the Buddha.

Christ

The emaciated and suffering Christ, made in Goa, India in the 19th century. The Spanish and Portuguese held strong Christian influences in this region.