Buddha
Pakistan, Gandhara area
Kushan period, late 2nd-early 3rd century
Phyllite
H. 72 in. (182.9 cm); 1979.3

Artist Comments

Tan Dun
A Re-Departure on the Past

In the process of choosing these objects,
I have reflected on the experience of drinking these three spirits as one--composing.

Wine: ritual
Tea: mind
Water: eternity

With wine comes both sorrow and cheer. With tea comes both the bitter and sweet. With water comes the complexity of life and transparency.

Which one is the hardest to drink?
Water, tea, or wine?

To me, water is the most difficult to taste--
An endless mirror

What is it to you?
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