Paneling for a Temple or Chariot (Ratha)
Late 18th century
Asia: India, Kerala
Painted wood
Norton Simon Museum, Gift of the Narendra and Rita Parson Family Trust
Learning to Look at Asian Art in the Norton Simon Museum
The bright colors of the Paneling for a Temple or Chariot (Ratha) catch the eye and draw visitors into this niche gallery, which serves to introduce viewers to the three major religions represented in the Museum’s Asian art collections—Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. In a 2013 video, former assistant curator Melody Rod-ari and Lynn LaBate, former head of education, explain the curatorial motivations behind the installation. Rod-ari and LaBate offer insights into variations in iconography and style in these devotional artworks, and celebrate the depth of the Museum’s South and Southeast Asian collections.
