Wisdom Embodied: Chinese Buddhist and Daoist Sculpture in the Metropolitan Museum of Art

摘要

The core of this large format book is a beautifully illustrated catalogue, with technical notes, of 45 highlights of the collections of Chinese Buddhist art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. In addition, there are brief descriptions of further 73 pieces, each with thumbnail colour photographs. The catalogue is supported by two chapters by the main authors, five appendices by specialists, and an extensive bibliography. The bulk of the collection was acquired between 1920 and 1950, and the sculptures are in a range of materials: primarily metal, stone, wood, lacquer, and ceramic, as well as three examples of ivory. Most of the earliest pieces, dating to before the mid-fifth century C.E., are of clay or bronze, with some wooden figures from western China.