Tibetan artifacts exhibit to be held in US ( 2003-10-10 14:22) (Xinhua)
The first ever exhibit of
Tibet cultural artifacts in the United States is to be unveiled Sunday at the
Bowers Museum of Cultural Art in southern California, offering a rare
opportunity for Americans to learn about the long history and cultural richness
of the "Roof of the World," the museum announced Thursday.
The landmark exhibit, "Tibet: Treasures from the
Roof of the World," is to feature about 200 of the finest examples of Tibetan
sculptures, paintings, textiles and ritual Buddhist objects from the most
important cultural institutions in Tibet, according to Rick Weinberg, Director
of Marketing and Public Relations of the Bowers Museum.
"This is the first opportunity for the public, including the large Buddhist
population and Asian art enthusiasts in the United States, to experience these
historic and religious treasures from one of the most mysterious and guarded
world cultures," Weinberg said.
The exhibit, secured by an agreement signed by the Bowers Museum and Cultural
Administration of Tibet Autonomous Region of China, marks the first time that
art from the Potala Palace is unveiled in the Western World.
Anne Shih, member of the Board of Governors of the Bowers Museum, said she
had made six trips to China in order to bring the exhibit to the United States.
Speaking at a news conference at the museum, Nyima Tsering, Vice Chairman of
Tibet Autonomous Region, gave a brief introduction of Tibet, its history and
recent development, as well as its readiness to promote cultural and other
exchanges with the Western World.
Tsering highly praised the central government of the People's Republic of
China for its support and aid in excavating sites of historical relics and the
protection of Tibetan religion and culture.
He expressed the hope that such exhibit will contribute to further boosting
mutual understanding, friendship and cultural exchanges between China and the
United States.
Located in Santa Ana of the Orange County, the Bowers Museum is one of the
finest museums in California renowned for its dedication to the preservation,
study and exhibition of fine arts from around the world.
The exhibit will be held in Bowers Museum from Oct. 12 to May 16, 2004, and
it will be shifted to other major cities including San Francisco of California,
New York City, and Houston of Texas.