Millennia

Few people realize that the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria houses on of the most outstanding collections of Asian Art in North America. This exhibitiion features seventy of the most stunning, interesting and rare examples from the collection. The works of art are mainly from China and Japan with other items from Korea, Tibet, India, Thailand, Vietnam and the Middle east. From China there is an astonishing group of old and modern paintings, ancient bronze items, ceramic treasures, magnificent textiles, rare amber and ivory objects. Japan is represented by old paintings including a large Kano screen, originally from Nijo castle in Kyoto, remarkable early Buddhist and literati paintings, a palanquin (sedan chair) with the crest of the Tokugawa shogunate, ceramic artifacts, and lacquer items. There are spectacular and important sculptures and thangkas from Tibet; impressive religious sculptures from India and Thailand; and ceramic treasures from Vietnam recovered from a sunken ship. Millennia is also a celebration of the generous and knowledgeable donors who have helped the AGGV build this remarlable collection, as well as an opportunity to look forward to the ongoing evolution of Asian Art at the AGGV.