Buddha seated in meditation, 3rd - 4th century CE, Gandhara,
Pakistan. Picture © V&A Images Exhibition Review – The Robert H.
N. Ho Family Foundation Gallery, Victoria and Albert Museum,
London, opens April 29 2009. "If you ever meet the Buddha on the
road, kill him," goes the old Zen saying. Visitors to the V&A's
new gallery – the first dedicated to Buddhist sculpture in the
UK – will have to ignore this imperative, because the place is
full of the guy. Small Buddhas, big Buddhas, Buddhas in rags,
Buddhas in riches. Pre-enlightenment Buddhas, transcended
Buddhas, seated Buddhas, standing Buddhas. Teak Buddhas, copper
Buddhas, stone Buddhas, stucco Buddhas. Throughout this variety,
certain characteristics remain consistent – most obviously the
face with its semi-closed eyes in meditative repose, and its
unique expression, emotionless yet compassionate, gazing inward
but with a precise attentiveness. These sculptures are always
recognisable as the Buddha, despite the differing stylistic
traits and physiognomie