October 1, 2002-January 5, 2003
Special Exhibition Galleries, first floor
Monday September 30, 10:00 a.m. - noon
An exhibition focusing on the extraordinary art of the Eastern Eurasian steppes from the first millennium BC will open at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on October 1. Featuring more than 200 objects, Nomadic Art from the Eastern Eurasian Steppes: The Eugene V. Thaw and Other New York Collections will explore the dynamic art of the nomads who left an indelible impression on the arts of all nomadic societies in Eurasia through subsequent periods and inspired the art of the sedentary cultures that came in contact with them.
Dating from the 10th century B.C. to the second century A.D., the objects on view – in bronze, gold, silver and jade – will include horse harnesses and chariot fittings, belt ornaments, garment plaques, weapons, and vessels. While the majority of these works are from the Mongolian steppes and North China, a small number are from Central Asia, Siberia, and from as far away as Eastern Europe.
These works are drawn largely from the collection of Eugene V. Thaw, a recent gift to the Museum, and also include selections from other private collections and the Metropolitan Museum's holdings.
James C.Y. Watt, Brooke Russell Astor Chairman of the Metropolitan's Department of Asian Art, commented: "The present-day knowledge concerning the art of the nomadic world is insufficient for a systematic art-historical exposition. However, it is hoped that this exhibition, drawn mainly from the Thaw Collection, will serve to illustrate some of the salient features of a neglected artistic tradition and will draw attention to the works as art rather than as archaeological objects."
In the early part of the first millennium B.C. the inhabitants of the vast Eurasian steppes began to practice a new form of economy known as pastoral nomadism that was based on livestock herding and involved frequent seasonal migrations. The economic success that the nomads had achieved by the fifth century B.C. brought about the efflorescence of a distinctive artistic style that was characterized by its extensive use of animal motifs. The animals, both wild and domestic, are represented either realistically or in varying degrees of stylization, creating a rich decorative vocabulary of hieratic images. Among principal examples in the exhibition are a bronze belt plaque depicting a fierce wolf attacking a doe, and a gold belt buckle inlaid with semi-precious stones showing a bear biting the shoulder of an ibex.
Rather than grouping the works by attributed cultural affiliations, the exhibition is organized according to the functions of the objects and draws the viewers' attention to their aesthetic appeal. It also aims to illustrate the nomads' contributions to the art of their settled neighbors in urban centers. The bold and dynamic images of the "animal style" art that the nomads created remained a vital source of inspirations in the decorative arts of the Eurasian continent.
The exhibition is accompanied by a fully illustrated catalogue entitled Nomadic Art from the Eastern Eurasian Steppes: The Eugene V. Thaw Collection and Other New York Collections, with an introduction and essay by James C.Y. Watt;
essays and catalogue entries by Emma C. Bunker, an independent scholar; and selected catalogue entries by Zhixin Jason Sun, Associate Curator, Department of Asian Art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The exhibition catalogue is made possible by The Adelaide Milton de Groot Fund, in memory of the de Groot and Hawley families.
The exhibition is organized by James C.Y. Watt.
A variety of educational programs will be offered in conjunction with the exhibition, including lectures, films during the week of October 8, and gallery talks.
The Web site for the Metropolitan Museum (www.metmuseum.org) will feature the exhibition.
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