"Treasures of Tibet Never Before Seen In Western World"
2003-10-12 until 2004-05-16
Bowers Museum
Santa Ana, CA, USA United States of America

Centuries-old treasures from Tibet, never before seen in the Western World, are being unveiled at The Bowers Museum of Cultural Art in Santa Ana, California, in the historic exhibit, ?Tibet: Treasures from the Roof of the World. The landmark exhibit, which premieres Oct. 12, 2003, will feature for the first time ever the personal and sacred treasures of the Dalai Lamas among the 200 spectacular artifacts from Tibet's Potala Palace, the Tibet Museum and the Norbuglinkha Palace, the three most important cultural institutions in the region.

The exhibit showcases unique pieces that serve as a window to the spiritual, rich, religious and ancient culture of the Eastern world.

"It is an extraordinary opportunity to see these excellently preserved artifacts from the private collections of Tibetan nobles and religious figures that until now have been isolated from the Western World," says Peter Keller, the director and president of The Bowers Museum. "The richness and beauty of these precious items illustrate their significance in Tibetan society and religious life."

After a seven-month run at The Bowers Museum, the exhibit travels to the Houston Museum of Natural Science (Oct. 16, 2004-Jan. 8, 2005), Rubin Museum of Art in New York (Feb. 8, 2005 to May 8, 2005) and Asian Art Museum of San Francisco (June 12, 2005 to Sept. 11, 2005).

The public will have the opportunity to view treasures from the personal collections of the Dalai Lamas, as well as the finest examples of Tibetan sculpture, textiles, paintings and objects crafted for nobility. Some of these never-before-seen artifacts include a finely detailed 13th century portrait sculpture of the great Tibetan King, Songtsen Gambo, who established Buddhism in Tibet. Others objects include a delicately carved pray wheel from the 19th century crafted in gold and ivory.

IMAGE
Acala,
Tibet
13th Century
Tibet Museum

Related Links:

Indepth Arts Resources for the State of California

Other Important Exhibitions in California