Resources

Kabuki scholar Laurence Kominz discusses a woodblock print of a Kabuki actor and courtesan depicted in a scene from the famous Japanese epic The Tale of Genji.

Background information on the Hindu deity, Ganesha, and Hindu architecture.

The political enlightenment of the West articulated ideals that had no substantial counterpart in the spiritual traditions of Asia according to this event’s featured speaker, Akeel Bilgrami, a leading philosopher and political and cultural commentator. Yet Gandhi, appealing precisely to those traditions, managed to construct a radical political philosophy. In what ways was Gandhi modern despite his explicit opposition to modernity? Is Gandhi relevant to our own time and politics? Dr. Bilgrami presents Gandhi’s political philosophy to explore these questions and other contemporary concerns of religion, politics and culture.

Futon cover with turtles and family crest, Meiji period (1868-1912). Japan. Indigo-dyed cotton with stencil-applied and hand drawn paste-resist (tsutsugaki) decoration. Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Newsom, B74M3.

Fudo Myoo (the Immovable One) is one of the powerful deities known as the Five Bright Kings in Japanese Buddhism and folk religion. As a manifestation of the central cosmic Buddha Mahavairochana (Japanese: Dainichi), Fudo is believed to protect Buddhism and its true adherents. Like all Bright Kings, Fudo assumes a frightening form, with a sword in his right hand and a rope in his left. He sits in front of a swiring flame of fire, with which he purifies evil.

Fresh water jar, approx.1573–1615. Japan; Mie prefecture. Iga ware, stoneware with natural ash glaze. Museum Purchase, B68P4.

Fresh water jar in the form of a wooden bucket, 1625–1635. Made in China for Japanese patrons. Porcelain with underglaze blue. Asian Art Museum, Gift of Roy Leventritt, B69P95L.

Flowerpot, approx. 1100. China; Henan province, Northern Song dynasty (960–1126). Jun ware, glazed stoneware. The Avery Brundage Collection, B60P95.

The first man across the Uji River and the battle of Awazugahara, From The Tale of the Heike, one of a pair, late 1600s. Japan. Six panel folding screen; ink, colors and gold on paper. The Avery Brundage Collection, B60D60+.

A conversation with artist Manuel Ocampo, moderated by assistant curator of contemporary art Dr. Karin Oen. This conversation was in conjunction with the exhibition First Look: Collecting Contemporary at the Asian at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco from Sept. 4 through Oct. 11, 2015.