India. Reflections of Sacred Worlds
From the classical art of temples to the tribal traditions of villages, the religious threads of India interweave into a rich, visual tapestry. This exhibition of more than 140 original works of art drawing from the extensive collection of the Museo delle Civiltà of Rome, Italy, beautifully illustrates the religious impulses that flow across the huge subcontinent like its vital rivers. It explores how the three ancient religions – Hinduism, Buddhism e Jainism – all born on Indian soil and out of the Indian experience – are interconnected.
The originality and singularity of each is represented, but also the interdependence of the philosophical and religious reflections that converge around shared beliefs: the cycle of rebirth (samsara), the liberation of the being (mukti, moksha), the concept of karma (which signifies the consequences of actions). Despite similar beliefs, each religion has developed its own interpretation of the sacred world and its own rituals and ceremonies. Art has given a rich and varied visual expression to the cardinal tenets of these influential religions.
Themes
- India. Past and Present
- Indian Textiles
- Buddhism, the Way of Buddha
- Hinduism, Faces of Gods
- Jainism, the Creed of Non-Violence
Contents
- +140 Archaeological Objects, including: stone carvings, dancing statuettes of Indian gods and goddesses, delicately-rendered miniatures, colorful paintings, fine jewelry, folk art
- Interpretive Graphic Panels
- Dioramas
- Video&Multimedia
Relevance
Ca. 150 original objects from an extraordinary and extensive collection, spanning 1300 years of Indian art
Size
500 -700 sq.mt
Exhibition Views
Original Artworks
Trident with Face of Bhairava
20th century
Brass
The Battle of Lanka. Rama Kills the Demon King Ravana
18th century
Tempera on paper
Guardian Spirits on Horseback
20th century
Brass
Maitreya
Gandharan Art, 2nd – 3rd centuries
Schist
Vishnu
Chandella Period, 10 – 11th centuries
Sandstone
Folio from a Kshetrasamasa Manuscript
16th – 17th centuries
Gouache and ink on paper
Ritual Necklace
ca. 1700
Gold, Pearls of Bassora
Dancing Shiva
Chola Period, 10th century
Bronze
Cosmological Diagram
18th century
Opaque watercolor on paper
Group of Bronze Figures
17th – 18th centuries
Bronze