Resources

Explore Nara’s ancient Buddhist art and architecture.

Whirling Snow on the River Bank, 1639, by Lan Ying (1585–1664). China; Ming dynasty (136–1644). Hanging scroll; ink on silk. Transfer from the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Gift of Mrs. Austin Hills, B69D56.

Scene from The Storehouse of Loyalty (Chushingura), 1806, by Hokusai (1760–1849). Japan. Edo period (1615–1868). Woodblock print, ink and colors on paper. Gift of Japanese Prints from the Collection of Emmeline Johnson, Donated by Oliver and Elizabeth Johnson, 1994.45.

Biography and lesson plans

Biography and lesson plans

The lessons below increase in the level of analytical thinking required of the students, with Lesson 1 being accessible to all grade levels and the final lesson, Lesson 5, being more appropriate for Grades 9-12+.

Note: This video does not include audio.
The exhibition, “Emperors’ Treasures: Chinese Art from the National Palace Museum, Taipei” at the Asian Art Museum (from 6/17-9/18/16) focuses on Chinese imperial taste over more than 1,000 years, during which Chinese political borders changed dramatically. This video highlights some of those changes.

Hear the origin story of the Hindu deity Ganesha and learn how to identify depictions of Ganesha with the use of artworks in the Asian Art Museum’s collection.

Discover how an ancient bronze vessel in the shape of a rhinoceros from Shang-dynasty China may have been created via a piece-mold technique.