WASHINGTON, D.C.-The Arthur M. Sackler Gallery is currently displaying the exhibition “Faith and Form: Selected Calligraphy and Painting from Japanese Religious Traditions”, where it will remain through July 18, 2004. . This is one of a series of exhibitions showcasing important American collections of Japanese art. The exhibition features works from the Sylvan Barnet and William Burto collection, which is particularly distinguished by important examples of Buddhist and Shinto inspired calligraphy and painting. Included are richly illuminated sutras texts, boldly expressive Zen Buddhist aphorisms rendered in ink monochrome, portraits of Zen masters and mandala paintings. These selections from the Barnet and Burto collection are complemented by related works from the collections of the Freer Gallery of Art and the Arthur M. Sackler gallery. Ranging in date from the 7th through the 19th century, the works on view illustrate the intimate relationships between calligraphy, painting and faith transmission within the Japanese Buddhist tradition. Translations of selected texts are provided.

The exhibition is generously supported by Takashi, Koichi, and Koji Yanagi; The Feinberg Foundation; Mitsuru Tajima; and James Freeman, with additional funding from the Friends of the Freer and Sackler Galleries.