Dr. Alice R. M. Hyland presents highlights from the 2022 “Asian Treasures from the Billings Collection” exhibition now open at the Nantucket Whaling Museum. Dr. Hyland, guest curator for the exhibition, has selected objects from each of the five sections of the exhibition: Collecting, Articles of Life, Burial Objects, Buddhism, and The Imperial Court.
Ceramics predominate the collection, as shown by earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain, which was invented in China. Silk, paper, and jade were other significant areas of creation. Buddhism practiced in Tibet and Japan produced unique devotional objects. Imperial patronage permeated the arts of architecture, decorative arts, and opera.