Introduction

Buddhism originated in ancient India and migrated to China in the first century CE. [1] Early Chinese emperors supported and embraced Buddhism and the Buddhist religion increased in popularity during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. [2] As Buddhism became more powerful within China, Buddhist rituals moved from the private sphere to the public. [3] This was evident as Buddhist temples were given extravagant gifts and donations of special textiles such as silks. [4] As a result of this, the material for Buddhist monks’ attires became more lavish and began to visually reflect the power of the religion.

In China, designs found in temples and on Buddhist monks' attire intertwine Buddhism with Chinese beliefs. This was reflected through colours, motifs, and symbols. Lion, Lantern, Lotus: Chinese and Buddhist Symbols in the Mactaggart Art Collection explores the combination of Buddhism and Chinese symbols on a Buddhist textile from China. This exhibition highlights the rich Chinese-Buddhist visual culture and textiles found in the 17th century.

All objects in this exhibition are from the Mactaggart Art Collection. Established in 2004, the Mactaggart Art Collection holds approximately 1,000 East Asian textiles, paintings, and objects, generously donated by Drs. Sandy and Cécile Mactaggart to foster an understanding of the relationship between Canada and China.

Lion, Lantern, Lotus is a student-driven exhibition that features planning, research, and work from the University of Alberta Museums Summer Intern and Mactaggart Art Collection Graduate Research Assistant (GRA).

The University of Alberta Museums is dedicated to providing learning opportunities for University of Alberta students interested in a career in museums.

For more information on the University of Alberta Museums Internship visit: https://www.ualberta.ca/museums/about/internship/index.html

Sources Cited

[1] John E. Vollmer and Jacqueline Simcox. Emblems of Empire, 1st ed. (The University of Alberta Press, 2009), 115.

[2] Vollmer and Simcox, Emblems of Empire, 110-113.

[3] Vollmer and Simcox, Emblems of Empire, 115; Vollmer, John E. and Thierry Prat. Silks for Thrones and Altars: Chinese Costumes and Textiles, (Paris: Myrna Myers, 2003), 138-140.

[4] Hall, Chris. Power Dressing: Textiles for Rulers and Priests from the Chris Hall Collection. (Asian Civilisations Museum, 2006), 68; Vollmer and Prat, Silks for Thrones and Altars: Chinese Costumes and Textiles, 138.