Works of Hindu and Buddhist Artists in Nepal on Display at Crocker Museum

SACRAMENTO PRESS
By Jessica Rine

Sculpture on display. Image courtesy of Wall Street Journal

CALIFORNIA---Legend says that when the deity Manjushri came to Nepal from China, he found the entire valley under water. To make his way through, Manjushri took his sword and sliced through the surrounding hills, draining the valley of water, and the Kathmandu Valley was formed. A statue of Manjushri begins the exhibit of Nepalese art at the Crocker Art Museum. Four arms extend from his gleaming body and jewels adorn his head. He beckons all to join him on a journey into Nepal’s history through art. "Celestial Realms: The Art of Nepal from California Collections" is currently on display at the Crocker Art Museum. Featuring art primarily from Newar artists of the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal, the exhibit displays rarely seen Nepalese art mainly from private collections throughout California. The Newar, the indigenous people of the Kathmandu Valley, practice either Hinduism or Buddhism, and the influence on Tibetan and Indian art is heavily noticed. [link]