Buddhist Treasures from Nara

reviewed by McClelland, David

Library Journal

Vol.123 No.20

P.p.96

Dec 1998

COPYRIGHT 1998 Reed Publishing USA

            Cunningham, Michael R. & others. Buddhist Treasures from Nara. 
            Hudson Hills, dist. by National Bk. Network. Dec. 1998.258p. 
            permanent paper. illus, bibliog. ISBN 0-940717-48-4. $65. 
            Buddhist art reflects the culture that created it, and the wide 
            divergence of expression in Buddhism is well illustrated by these 
            two catalogs of Tibetan and Japanese art. Not only are the two 
            countries far distant, but their understanding of the precepts of 
            Buddha are radically different. The Tibetan paintings presented in 
            Sacred Visions are attempts to elucidate the mysteries of Tantric or 
            Esoteric Buddhism. Intricate mandalas, multilimbed deities linked in 
            sexual union, serene monks, and images of the many concepts of 
            Buddha are well illustrated in vibrant color photos, each 
            accompanied by a page of religious explanation and artistic 
            analysis. The vivid colors and intricate designs are well conveyed, 
            but slick paper and modern printing don't do justice to the velvety 
            surface of the originals. 
            The Japanese treasures from Nara are so beautifully photographed 
            that it is a pity the photographers are not credited; their 
            contribution matches that of the three writers. Conveying the 
            three-dimensionality of sculpture in photographs is a subtle and 
            exacting an, and the Cleveland Museum has created an exhibition 
            catalog that will have lasting value by virtue of its attention to 
            the quality of photography and printing. The broader range of both 
            the text and the objects illustrated--sculpture, paintings, 
            ceramics, furniture, and bronzes--will bring a broader audience to 
            Buddhist Treasures from Nara, while the narrow focus of Sacred 
            Visions will increase its value to scholars of religion and 
            art.--David McClelland, Philadelphia