As part of the “Family” theme cluster, a new presentation featuring a magnificent 10-metre-long Nepalese scroll painting has been installed in the Himalaya Gallery. It tells the story of the generous Prince Vishvantara, one of the Buddha's most famous rebirth stories.

The presentation highlights the content, form and origin of the Nepalese scroll, which depicts the legend of Prince Vishvantara in 85 consecutive scenes. The legend conveys the importance of balancing family obligations with ethical principles. Not only does Vishvantara give away all his possessions, he ultimately gives away even his children and wife. By doing so, he demonstrates his ability to overcome emotional attachment – one of the most important prerequisites on the path to enlightenment.

Curatorial team

The alternating presentation is curated by Lu Tian, assistant curator at the museum, and Lilla Russell-Smith, curator of the Central Asian Collection, Museum für Asiatische Kunst, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin.

The Legend of Prince Vishvantara: Boundless Generosity is an alternating presentation of the Museum für Asiatische Kunst in the Humboldt Forum, located upstairs in the Himalaya Gallery, Room 315.