Buddhism was founded in India during the 6th century BC by Sakyamuni Buddha. With its central message of wisdom and compassion, over the following centuries Buddhism gradually came to be embraced throughout much of Asia to become a major world religion.

After coming to China around two thousand years ago, Buddhism encountered a highly developed culture and society, and through a process of mutual influence slowly took on a distinctively Chinese character. Moreover, in addition to Chinese Mahayana Buddhism, the other two main schools of Buddhism—Tibetan/Vajrayana and Theravada— are also found in contemporary China. Over the course of its long history in China, Buddhism has had a profound influence on traditional Chinese culture, as evidenced by both the quantity and quality of Buddhist art produced in China during the past two millennia.

The 102 pieces presented in this exhibition are on loan from Beijing’s Capital Museum, and represent both Chinese and Tibetan Buddhism. The exhibition includes statues, embroidery, paintings, and thangkas in a wide variety of styles, indicating the important role of Buddhist art in China.

This is the first time for the Capital Museum and the Museum of World Religions to join together for an exhibition. We are pleased to have this opportunity to present to a wider public the rich cultural heritage of China as well as the profound spiritual significance of Buddhist art.