This exhibition of 80 Buddhist and Hindu works of art drawn from the collection of the National Gallery of Victoria explores the development of Buddhist imagery across Asia. From early Buddhist works created in India in the 2nd – 4th centuries AD to a contemporary Zen Buddhist ink and brush painting in the Chinese tradition, In the steps of the Buddha illustrates different styles of art associated with the Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhist schools. The exhibition presents a wide range of Buddhist works of art including sculptures of the Buddha, bodhisattvas and Buddhist deities in bronze, wood, clay and lacquer, ritual items, pilgrimage souvenirs, paintings, masks and manuscript covers and includes works from Gandhara, Burma, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Japan, China, Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan.

This exhibition includes Zen paintings and calligraphies, ceramics, lacquer and a paper robe that explore the Zen Buddhist way of looking at the world. Zen (Chan in Chinese) originated in China in the 6^th century. Zen was revolutionary in that it did not rely on the word, Buddhist scriptures, or Buddhist statues for worship. Zen teaching was to be transmitted from mind to mind, and we can attain enlightenment or awakening to our original nature, when we see the unity of all things.

This exhibition provides a glimpse of the breadth of practice that constitutes contemporary Chinese Australian art. The artists are indicators rather than agents for the state of contemporary Chinese art and their work can be read in several ways, with emphasis on the philosophical, political or aesthetic.

China’s magnificent scenery of mountains and streams has inspired Chinese scholars, poets and painters for thousands of years. Drawing on the NGV’s Asian art collection, this exhibition focuses on the period from the 14th century to the present day and examines the worship of mountains as sacred places in Ch

Moon in Reflection is a journey to spiritual enlightenment and artistic discovery. Featuring works by Kim Hoa Tram in the NGV’s Collection, the exhibition explores the human condition of birth, old age, sickness and death, and themes in Zen philosophy: impermanence, delusion and meditation as a way to spiritual awakenin

Aimed at children of all ages, this fun and colourful exhibition explores images of animals – from elephants to insects – from the NGV’s Asian Collection. Featured are works in all media from South East Asia, China, India, Persia and Japan which explore the symbolic and mythological meanings of animal

Dressed to Rule exhibits imperial robes of China from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), including robes worn by the Qing Emperor of China and members of the imperial court. The exhibition also features some stunning accessories such as undergarments made of bamboo beads and silk `lotus’ shoes for bound feet.

Screens have developed as an indispensable element of Japanese architecture and an integral part of Japanese life. Drawn from the NGV’s Asian collection, this exhibition explores the aesthetic and stylistic aspects of the structure and function of the Japanese screen through exquisite examples created between the 17th–19th centur

This exhibition presents the process of architectural design through the material of the Federation Square NGV archive together with LAB’s subsequent projects. It explains how architects think about their designs and how concepts and processes become realised as architecture. The exhibition consists of conceptual material, working drawings and model

Tea and Zen presents the history of tea in China and Japan, exhibiting works that demonstrate its unique cultural aesthetic. Featured are ceramic, lacquer and bamboo tea utensils alongside Zen paintings and calligraphy, creating a contemplative setting evoking the spirit of the ‘Way of Tea

‘Chinoiserie’ was coined in the 19th century for a decorative style that takes its inspiration from Asian art and design but ultimately reflects European visions of Asia. This exhibition illustrates the development of the style through the NGV’s stunning collection of European and Asian decorative arts, as well as key loan