JUN 2002

VOLUME 33 - NUMBER 6

Past, present and future come together to present the continuity of civilization in this month's features. Classical resonances of an important Gupta period yaksha from Mathura discussed by Donald Stadtner are echoed in the contemporary Indian paintings discussed by Umesh Gaur, Gayatri Sinha and Mary-Anne Milford-Lutzker. Dying crafts and forgotten statues are once again given life as Valrae Reynolds introduces a recent donation of Tibetan rugs to the Newark Museum, and Wolfgang Klose sheds light on Edo sculptures in Lyon. As Hong Kong prepares to commemorate its fifth anniversary as a Special Administrative Region of China, the city's Museum of Art looks back to the beginnings of Chinese civilization with an exhibition of cultural relics from Henan provice. By contrast, the interview with Christina Chu, the museum's Chief Curator, examines the roles museums play in society and looks to the future of the institution in Hong Kong. Chu is supporting a proposal submitted to the Culture and Heritage Commission (CHC) for the establishment of a thematic Museum of Ink. Ada Wong, a member of the CHC, feels that a museum of this sort will give Hong Kong a 'signature collection' that can reflect its role as a hub in Asia. Milo Beach's commentary elaborates on the role of museums, and he questions if their reaserch and educational function should be subsumed under the quest for profitability and increased attendances.

FEATURES
Tian Kai. Nascent Nation: Archaeological Treasures from Henan Province
Wolfgang Klose. From Tents and Temples: Tibetan Classic Rugs Valrae Reynolds Sadaijin, Udaijin and Daigen Garanjin: Three Edo Period Sculptures in Lyon
Mary-Ann Milford-Lutzker. Shakti: The Power of Women's Art in India
Umesh Gaur and Gayatri Sinha. American Collectors of Contemporary Indian Art in the Northeast
Donald M. Stadtner. An Important Dated Yaksha from Mathura: Bhatishri's Manibhadra
PREVIEWS & REVIEWS
Orientations and Catherine Maudsley. Hong Kong Auctions - Spring 2002
Margaret Tao. Spring Art Fairs in New York
John E. Vollmer. Book Review: Jocelyn Chatterton: Chinese Silks and Sewing Tools, London, 2002
INTERVIEWS
Hwang Yin. An Interview with Christina Chu
COMMENTARY
Milo Cleveland Beach. Commentary: Trouble at the Smithsonian