A blooming lotus: Zhejiang University hosts a special exhibition of Gandhāra Art and Asian Civilizations

The special exhibition “A Blooming Lotus: Gandhāra Art and Asian Civilizations” commenced at the Zhejiang University Museum of Art and Archaeology on May 9th.

Organized by Zhejiang University, the exhibition constitutes a key part of the university’s second “Asian Civilization Week”. At the opening ceremony of this event, ZHOU Jianghong, Vice President of Zhejiang University, emphasized that mutual learning among civilizations is essential for building trust and shaping a shared future. Gandhāra, located at a vital juncture of the ancient Silk Road, gave rise to an art form that emerged from the confluence of Persian art from West Asia, Greco-Roman art from Europe, and Indian art from South Asia. This exhibition showcases a series of precious artifacts, including Head of Bodhisattva Maitreya, Buddha with Worshipers, The first sermon at Sarnath and so on, offering a comprehensive overview of the brilliance and unique appeal of Gandhāran art.

Some exhibits in the special exhibition

WANG Pei, a ZJU student with a strong interest in religion and history, noted that the postures, expressions, and attire depicted in Gandhāran sculptures reflect distinct historical and cultural contexts. She shared, “When I studied the sinicization of Buddhism in my religious studies course, I gained an understanding of cultural fusion. This exhibition allows me to identify elements of Indian Buddhism and also discover Western artistic styles. ”

Tourists are visiting the exhibition

Just as the unique charm of Gandhāran art lies in its fusion of diverse cultures and the intersection of East and West, the exhibition has drawn visitors from various cultural backgrounds. Mahim Jana, an Indian student studying at Donghua University, traveled from Shanghai to Hangzhou to see this exhibition. He said, “Gandhāran art is rooted in specific historical and cultural settings and religion is intertwined with daily life. Despite superficial differences among Asian countries, they share many deep-seated cultural values, such as some views of life and death.”

  Mahim Jana introduces Gandhāran art to other visitors

So far, the special exhibition has garnered significant attention and praise. Through a multicultural lens, the exhibition illuminates Gandhāran art’s profound impact on Asian civilization and its historical significance in fostering dialogue, harmony, and joint development among different civilizations. As the exhibition’s title “A Blooming Lotus” suggests, Gandhāran art continues to flourish across time and across countries.