Over a period of centuries, while competing dynasties vied for political dominance, a singular faith unified this otherwise diverse region. Throughout this period, distinctive local artistic traditions flourished and were adapted to express new social, cultural and political needs within each region. Despite their formal and artistic range and variety, almost all these traditions shared the same preoccupation with surface decoration, which drew on calligraphy, figural, geometric and vegetal designs. Manufacturing methods including casting, hammering, sheet-metalworking, spinning and turning are also examined, and the significance of the broad variety of designs that decorate the exhibition's objects is discussed. The Freer and Sackler galleries together form the national museum of Asian art for the United States.
Admission is free.
The galleries are located near the Smithsonian Metrorail station on the Blue and Orange lines.