Collections, Central Asian Antiquities

The collection of Central Asian Antiquities with more than twelve thousand objects from Xinjiang region of Chinese Turkestan was discovered by Sir Aurel Stein during his three expeditions in 1900-1901, 1906-1908 and 1913-1916. This is one of the most prestigious and rare collections of Central Asian antiquities at the National Museum.

The objects displayed in the gallery were discovered mainly from the oasis along the ancient trade route popularly known as southern and northern Silk Roads. Frequent movements of people of different regions, faiths and cultures resulted in the emergence of a composite cultural tradition which is marked by the presence of Hellenistic, Sassanian, Uigurian, Chinese, Tibetan and Indian elements in the Central Asian Art.

The selected items on display, ranging roughly from the 3rd to 12th century C.E, are murals, silk paintings, ramie, paper, wood, terracottas, stuccos, wooden objects, Kharoshti documents and textiles.

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Amidst other miscellaneous works of art, beads, coins and leather objects, is a fragment of wood carving from Khotan dated to the 6th and 7th century C.E. showing a seated Buddha in Dharmachakra Mudra and accompanied by Avalokitesvara on his right.