Major exhibition dedicated to ancient Indian art at Mendrisio Art Museum

The Mendrisio Museum of Art is hosting the major exhibition Ancient India until January 26, 2020. Masterpieces from Swiss Collecting, curated by Christian Luczanits, an expert on Indian art at the London School of Oriental and African Studies.

The exhibition presents the transformations in the depiction of deities in the Indian world, from the earliest figurative representations to the later esoteric forms of expression. Without any pretense of recounting the whole of ancient Indian art, which would be too vast, the exhibition illustrates essential aspects. Indeed, the exhibits are representative ofWestern interest in Indian art, in which Buddhist and pacific themes predominate.

The exhibition is divided into nine sections: Poetic Metaphors; Legendary Animals; Comparing Traditions; Uplifting Stories; Feminine Powers; Esoteric Branches; Miracles; Divine Couple; Cosmic Divinity. Visitors can admire sculptures from various regions of India, Pakistan and Afghanistan, encompassing a period of fourteen centuries, from the 2nd century B.C. to the 12th century A.D.

Among the most significant works in the exhibition itinerary is a pillar of a balustrade with a salabhanjika, dating back to the 1st century AD and carved on both sides: on one side a female figure grasps a branch full of fruit, a symbol of nature’s fertility, and on the other side four scenes from legends.

A bronze depicting Parvati who was part of a group with two other deities that formed a processional image; a sculpture depicting Maitreya, future Buddha, whose cult was first established in the Gandhara region. Also, a sculpture depicting Green Tara, goddess of compassion; lintel of a portal with representations of animals and legendary creatures. And a scene featuring Prince Mandhata enjoying heavenly life.

Over seventy small, medium and largesculptures intended to be an extraordinary wide-ranging introduction to the ancient art of one of the most complex and fascinating civilizations.

For info: www.mendrisio.ch/museo

Hours: Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to noon and 2 to 5 p.m.; Saturday, Sunday and holidays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed Mondays, except holidays.

Tickets: Full 10 euros, reduced 8 euros.

Image: Head of the Buddha (4th - 5th century AD; stucco, 50 cm; Gandhara, Taxila (?))

Major exhibition dedicated to ancient Indian art at Mendrisio Art Museum

Warning: the translation into English of the original Italian article was created using automatic tools. We undertake to review all articles, but we do not guarantee the total absence of inaccuracies in the translation due to the program. You can find the original by clicking on the ITA button. If you find any mistake,please contact us.