The bronze casters of the contemporary state of Tamil Nadu were the greatest masters of the art. Though this was not done during the period when bronze casting reached its greatest level—during the Chola kingdom, it is still a superlative example. I also like the significance of the story it represents and its connection to contemporary environmental concerns.
Submission
John Stucky – “After the Rain” Calligraphy by Chen Xianzhang
One of my all time favorite pieces. A great example of Chinese calligraphy as part of poetry.
John Stucky – Wrapping cloth (bojagi)
Comparable to the best that the great modernist Paul Klee produced. Yet not to be outdone by him, as tremendous as he is/was. An example of why I have trouble distinguishing craft from ‘fine art’. Is there really a distinction? Can there be. This is magnificent.
John Stucky – The river bend
Kuncan, considered one of the great individualist masters of the 17th century, began as a serious and dedicated Buddhist. He was an abbot of a Chan/Zen monastery. Yet he expressed his very personal Buddhism through his paintings, which follow the Confucian scholar painting tradition. His work can seem fussy and rather difficult to appreciate—or get into, but once you do, you are well rewarded. He was the subject of my never-to-be-finished doctoral dissertation. I am still intrigued with him.
John Stucky – Standing bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara (Sho Kannon)
Such a wonderful and quiet portrayal of the merciful Avalokitesvara.
John Stucky – The Buddha Amitabha with the eight great bodhisattvas
Goryeo period Buddhist painting has never been surpassed. This is a profound example.
John Stucky – The Buddhist deity Achala Vidyaraja (Fudo Myoo)
Fudo Myo’o —the great Acala! I don’t think I need to write any more.
John Stucky – Pillow in the form of a boy and a lotus leaf
A masterpiece of the Song potter’s art.
John Stucky – Jar
Simply one of the most wonderful and whimsical examples of blue-and white porcelain in the collection.
John Stucky – The Hindu deities Krishna and Satyabhama riding Garuda
Krishna an avatar of Vishnu on Vishnu’s great mount of high karmic/cosmic power Garuda—a beautiful painting