Asian Collection

Left three-quarter angle of a large bronze sculpture of a sitting man, with two smaller stone sculptures in the background beyond the bronze sculpture. — Taoist dignitary from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD).

Glencairn's Asian collection features works of art from China, with a few from Japan and Thailand. About thirty pieces are on exhibit in the Asian Gallery, ranging from the Chinese Han Dynasty (25-220 AD) to the 19th century. The objects reflect the beliefs and values of East Asian Mahayana Buddhism as well as elements of traditional Chinese culture with its Confucian and Taoist influences. A highlight of the gallery is a large Chinese bronze sculpture of a seated Taoist dignitary from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD). The Taoist sage is one who has become attuned to the operation of the Tao ("the Way") as it is manifested in the workings of nature, and who has incorporated this understanding into his life.