Tibet, usually regarded as a peaceful Buddhist kingdom, has had to defend its territorial sovereignty periodically from the Seventh to the early Twentieth Century. The ornately decorated horse saddle shown above was created by Tibetan craftsmen. Images of stylized mythical dragons from Tibetan legends, deer and birds are harmoniously arranged. This saddle is one of more than 130 masterpieces of armor, weaponry and equestrian equipment, often reserved for religious and ceremonial purposes, in Warriors of the Himalayas: Rediscovering the Arms and Armor of Tibet. Exhibited exclusively at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, these works were influenced stylistically by the Nepalese, other neighboring Himalayan peoples, the Mongols and the Chinese throughout the ages. Their contributions to the artistry of Tibetan armor are reflected in this exhibition.
"Warriors of the Himalayas: Rediscovering the Arms and Armor of Tibet" is on view from April 5 through July 2, 2006 at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Avenue at 82 Street, New York, NY 10028-0198 (Telephone: 212-535-7710; Website). The museum is open Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM and Friday and Saturday from 9:30 AM to 9:00 PM. SUGGESTED admission is $15.00 for adults. Paid parking is available in The Museum Garage.
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From your Guide: Stan Parchin, Senior Correspondent for Museums and Special Exhibitions, is a specialist in ancient, late-medieval and Renaissance art and history, and a regular contributor to About Art History. You may read all of his Special Exhibition and Catalogue Reviews here.
"Warriors of the Himalayas: Rediscovering the Arms and Armor of Tibet" is on view from April 5 through July 2, 2006 at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Avenue at 82 Street, New York, NY 10028-0198 (Telephone: 212-535-7710; Website). The museum is open Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM and Friday and Saturday from 9:30 AM to 9:00 PM. SUGGESTED admission is $15.00 for adults. Paid parking is available in The Museum Garage.
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From your Guide: Stan Parchin, Senior Correspondent for Museums and Special Exhibitions, is a specialist in ancient, late-medieval and Renaissance art and history, and a regular contributor to About Art History. You may read all of his Special Exhibition and Catalogue Reviews here.