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The Lost Buddhas

Editorial Review

Editorial Review

29 August-23 November 2008
Art Gallery of New South Wales
Art Gallery Rd, Sydney

It's rare that treasure is unearthed these days and rarer still that the objects brought to light hold monumental spiritual significance. And yet until their discovery in 1996, 400 ancient stone buddhas lay peacefully beneath the earth for eight centuries until the clang of bulldozers alerted the world to their existence.

Wrapped and buried in the 12th century for reasons unknown, the statues were found on the ancient site of the Longxing Temple in Qingzhou, eastern China and date back to the sixth century. With their serenely carved faces still bearing traces of gilt and their carefully posed stances, the Buddhist figures reflect the spiritual beliefs and aspirations of devotees, offering an insightful pause into a period when Chinese Buddhist art was undergoing dramatic change.

In a coup for the Art Gallery of NSW, 35 of the sculptures are on display for the first time in Australia, in conjunction with an international symposium entitled Chinese Buddhist Art: new discoveries and perspectives, which draws leading academics in the field to offer their considerations on the subject.

Since Buddhist sculptures are renowned for their remote location or are often too large or fragile to transport, this exhibition offers an unprecedented chance to walk among ancient giants and experience their quiet grandeur first-hand.

Lucy David

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