Art and objects in Asian faiths: an intercultural tour

What is the course about?

The course is about making comparisons between objects relating to different Asian faiths or made for religious leaders as well as explaining the stories that some of them are based on and their art and design.

What will we cover?

The course will look at figurative Hindu, Buddhist and Jain Sculpture and the stories behind them as well as some objects associated with Sikh and Muslim Indian rulers including the Golden Throne of Ranjit Singh and Tippoo’s Tiger.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

• Distinguish how the Buddha statue has been represented in different times and countries
• Identify three difference between a statue of a Buddha and a Jina
• Discover the stories of at least three Hindu sculptures and two of the most famous items brought out of India during Imperial times.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

The course is intended for beginners or those with some knowledge wishing to extend their knowledge of art related to comparative faiths.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

The course is primarily led as a guided tour and questions and answers but there will be times to go and research / study objects and feed back to the group. No prior work is necessary but a willingness to share experiences of different cultural practices would be welcome.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Please bring a pen/pencil and notepad. You may also want to bring a camera or mobile phone camera.
The meeting point is the grand entrance meeting point, at the Victoria and Albert Museum in South Kensington.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Please see our website for full information about upcoming courses in religion and belief.