History is never short on irony. The Indian subcontinent, now one of the world's most unstable nuclear hotbeds, once cradled a religion founded on nonviolence. And what is today a breeding ground for sectarian fundamentalism was the birthplace of a rich artistic heritage that drew deeply on the tolerant values of Buddhism.
From Oct. 29 to Dec. 15, two countries return to their shared roots in simultaneous exhibitions to commemorate 50 years of diplomatic ties with Japan. In a rare event, 40 sculptures from Mathura, India, and 48 from Gandhara, Pakistan, are on display under the same roof at the Tokyo National Museum.
These ancient stone sculptures dating from 200 B.C. to A.D. 600 trace the origin and evolution of Buddhist figural art. In the myriad faces of Buddha on display, we discern a reflection of the expansive face of Buddhism itself -- a then-young religion with the ability to accommodate vastly diverse influences in its pantheon.