Resources

Trace the spread of Buddhism through close looking at Buddhist objects from different regions. Explore how artifacts reveal distinct local traditions as well as common ideas and motifs.

Lesson on the individual rituals performed by Muslim pilgrims during the hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca.

Learn about the main events and conflicts in the Rama epic.

Why is the epic of Rama a beloved tale in many cultures across South and Southeast Asia? Explore how this story and its characters has remained significant in the lives of millions even today.

Asian Art Museum Storyteller Amit Pendyal tells a scene from the Rama epic (Ramayana) with the use of artworks in the museum’s collection. Discover more fresh takes on this ageless tale in the exhibition, The Rama Epic: Hero, Heroine, Ally, Foe.

Paul Hoover reads a poem he wrote in response to the works “Anonymity,” 2008-2011 (eight from a series of nine light boxes) by Poklong Anading and Chinese bronze mirrors (from the Asian Art Museum’s collection). These works are on view as part of the exhibition Phantoms of Asia: Contemporary Awakens the Past (on view at the Asian Art Museum from May 18–September 2, 2012). This presentation was part of MATCHA. Co-presented with Litquake.

Krishna overcoming the serpent Kaliya, 1400–1500. India; reportedly from Sundaraperumakoil, Tanjavur district, Tamil Nadu state, former kingdom of Vijayanagara. Bronze. The Avery Brundage Collection, B65B72.

Learn about how people in Bali approach the story of Rama and see how to facilitate different forms of Balinese kecak with Gamelan Sekar Jaya and teachers at the Asian Art Museum.

Kanzan (Hanshan), by Tobai (Japanese), approx. 1500-1625. Japan. Hanging scroll; ink and light colors on paper. The Avery Brundage Collection, B60D39+.a.