The Easel

Archives: Rijksmuseum

1st October 2024

10 things about bronze

The Rijksmuseum blockbuster show of Asian bronzes exemplifies the challenges of cross-cultural art. These are great sculptures, objects of beauty that include figurines, bells, mirrors and ceremonial objects. Besides flaunting the skill of their makers, they loudly proclaim their spiritual stories. For contemporary Westerners, though, it’s difficult to go beyond a superficial appreciation. What is clear is the depth and relatedness of Asian cultures and the eternal quality of bronze. An in-depth piece is here.