The British Museum
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The Joseph E. Hotung GalleryPalaeolithic – present
eyeOpener gallery tour / Free / Daily, 12.15–12.55
Although many parts of Asia have long been connected through trade, commerce and shared religious systems, there are strong regional differences. In addition to major variations in language, Asia has developed localised cultural networks, patterns of government, technology and styles of artistic representation.
Sandstone figure of the Buddha 5th century AD More information
Sandstone figure of the Buddha 5th century AD
Gilded bronze figure of Tara, 8th century AD More information
Gilded bronze figure of Tara, 8th century AD
Porcelain phoenix-headed ewer, 9th-11th century AD More information
Porcelain phoenix-headed ewer, 9th-11th century AD
Gilt bronze mandala 17th-18th century AD More information
Gilt bronze mandala 17th-18th century AD
Room 33 explores the history of the material and visual cultures of the continent.
The South Asia section uses objects to chart the major religious systems developed in India: Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. It also examines the impact of these religious systems on Thailand, Cambodia, Sri Lanka and Tibet. The impact of Buddhism in central and east Asia is also explored in the Chinese section.
Chinese civilisation is traced chronologically from the Neolithic period to the twentieth century.
See this gallery on the floor plan
Bronze coin-shaped charm
Caves of the 1000 Buddhas
Survey of Chinese ceramics, £14.95
Explore the cultures of the world in UK museums on the World Timelines website.
