Smithsonian, DC

435 photographs
USA

Chokwe Mask, Museum of African Art — May 29, 2005

Chokwe masks from the Congo DRC are among my favorites, and the moment I came across this one in the museum, I immediately recognized its origins. On a related note, nearly every artistic creation emerging from the Congo DRC (formerly Zaire) is extraordinary—most notably the vibrant, infectious rhythms of soukous and rumba music. But that, my friend, is a story for another time.

usa/dc/smith_buddha_pakistani_3rd_century

Pakistan Buddha, Museum of Asian Art — May 29, 2005

This 3rd-century sculpture from ancient Gandhara, located in present-day Pakistan, stands out as the oldest Buddha image I have encountered and the most lifelike. Unlike the stylized depictions with beaded hair, a flame emanating from the head, and elongated ears, this portrayal features natural hair and well-proportioned facial features. While I am not suggesting that I prefer this depiction, I do believe it offers a compelling glimpse into what the historical Buddha might have truly looked like during his time on Earth—and that is truly remarkable.

Bronze stallion, Freer Gallery — May 29, 2005

Chinese bronze ding, Freer Gallery — May 29, 2005

In the era when this remarkable artifact was crafted, cooking vessels like this were a luxury reserved exclusively for royalty and the elite. In fact, the number of ding one possessed often symbolized their rank and status in society. Perhaps because of its association with food, I quickly developed an appreciation for the ding. The finest examples of these vessels can be admired at the Shanghai National museum in China, a building cleverly designed in the shape of a giant, four-story ding.

Shiva, Freer Gallery — May 29, 2005

Freer Gallery — May 29, 2005

Hey, it’s Ganesh, Sackler Gallery — May 29, 2005

Ganesh, a favorite Hindu god of mine (and many others), holds a special place as the patron of journeys and new business ventures, deserving reverence whenever people embark on these bold undertakings. With his pot-bellied, half-elephant, half-human form, I admire him simply for who he is—uniquely endearing and profoundly symbolic.

Arabic Script, Freer Gallery — May 29, 2005

Untitled, Hirshhorn Museum — May 29, 2005

This great piece stands over five feet while sitting down and is incredibly life-like considering it was made in Australia during the 1950s of rubber and wood.