The National Museum of Korea presents artworks from the vibrant landscapes of southern India, brimming with spiritual energy and narratives of Sakyamuni.

Buddhism began with the teachings of Sakyamuni, born in the 5th century BC beneath the Himalayan Mountains in northern India. Over centuries, it spread across the Deccan Plateau to southern India. In this new landscape with distinct climate and customs from Sakyamuni's homeland, Buddhism embarked on a fresh narrative, encountering vibrant divines. Thriving amidst South India's rich natural backdrop, Buddhism nurtured a flourishing array of fresh and intricate artworks. These South Indian Buddhist artworks, filled with enigmatic yet mystical narratives, are making their way to the National Museum of Korea. Spanning from the 2nd century BC, a time when Shakyamuni's presence was symbolized solely by trees (Bodhi trees) and footprints, to the 4th century AD when he assumed the familiar human form seen in statues, these extensive objects offer a captivating journey through time.

Organized by The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, in collaboration with the National Museum of Korea, this exhibition encompasses 61 pieces loaned from 12 distinguished museums in India, including the National Museum of New Delhi. Additionally, it features contributions from 18 esteemed institutions across 4 countries, among them the British Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, Asian Art Museum in Germany, and The Metropolitan Museum in the United States, culminating in a compelling display of 97 exquisite artifacts. This exhibition presents a rare opportunity to witness South Indian Buddhist artworks unveiled for the first time in Korea, including artifacts retrieved from the Phanigiri (Telangana) ruins, a site newly explored in the 21st century.

○ Title: Tree and Serpent, Early Buddhist Art in India (working title)

○ Dates: December 22, 2023 (Fri)–April 14, 2024 (Sun)

○ Venue: Special Exhibition Gallery, National Museum of Korea

○ Highlights:

1. Dome panel depicting a royal worshipper, 2nd half of the 1st century CE, Amaravati, Andhra, British Museum, ⓒBritish Museum Images, London

2. Railing pillar fragment: yakṣa with lotus vine emerging from mouth, ca. 150–100 BCE, Bharhut, Madhya, Allahabad Museum, ⓒThierry Ollivier

3. Yakṣa Śaṅkhanidhi, late 3^rd century CE, Nagarjunakonda, Andhra, Nagarjunakonda Archaeological Museum ASI, ⓒThierry Ollivier

4. Drum panel with stūpa veneration with seminal Buddha-life events, ca. 1st century CE, Dupadu, Andhra, Amaravati Heritage Centre and Museum, ⓒ Thierry Ollivier

5. Stūpa drum panel with nāga-protected Buddha, late 3rd century CE, Nagarjunakonda, Andhra, Nagarjunakonda Archaeological Museum ASI, ⓒThierry Ollivier

6~7. Toraṇa architraves with elephant and lion Makara, 3rd–4th century CE, Phanigiri, Telangana, Phanigiri Stūpa Site Department of Heritage, ⓒThierry Ollivier

8. Buddha, 3^rd century CE, Amaravati, Andhra, Amaravati Archaeological Museum, ⓒThierry Ollivier