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Bhutan: Land of the Thunder Dragon with Dr. John Johnston

Bhutan: Land of the Thunder Dragon with Dr. John Johnston


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Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after the seminar.

This conversation introduces the customs, cultures, and visual arts traditions of Bhutan, the Himalayan kingdom that is home to the most intact Buddhist culture in the world.

The main Buddhist schools, historical figures, religious sites, and art historical treasures will be explored. Known for their policy of “Gross National Happiness”, the country is surprisingly innovative given its remote location and ties to tradition. Bhutan thus has much to offer the modern world, from extraordinary medieval art to new ways of envisioning a sustainable future.

Led by art historian and ceramics expert Dr. John Johnston, this seminar will introduce participants to the splendor of Bhutan. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with a deeper understanding of the history, culture, and customs of the Land of the Thunder Dragon.

Dr. John Johnston earned his PhD in art history from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. He is a specialist in Chinese ceramics and decorative art and traditional Buddhist art. Dr. Johnston served as Curator of Asian Art at the San Antonio Museum of Art and other American museums and was an Assistant Professor at the Academy of Visual Arts, Hong Kong. Dr. Johnston has lived in Asia for many years including five years in Greater China and three years of art historical fieldwork in Bhutan.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 6 reviews
83%
(5)
0%
(0)
17%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
B
B.G. (Briarcliff Manor, US)
I learned a lot

I knew nothing about Bhutan going in to this lecture and I found it to be very interesting. Dr. Johnston's photos added a lot to the information he provided. The lecture was an excellent mix of general information and tourist-oriented information

J
John K (Washington, US)
A Fascinating Trip to a Far Way Place

Before Dr. Johnston's presentation we knew very little about Bhutan. Dr. Johnston did a wonderful job of giving the history of Bhutan along with beautiful pictures of things to see if you travel there. His advice for travelers would be better than any guidebook.

J
Joanne (Norwich, US)

Incredible presentation - so much information to absorb.

C
Catherine (Boulder, US)
Thoughtful and informative talk

I appreciated the details regarding the geography snd history of such an interesting place. Dr Johnson’s candid account of his own experience there was also very refreshing.

M
Martha Richardson (Clarkesville, US)
Bhutan

Excellent!

Customer Reviews

Based on 6 reviews
83%
(5)
0%
(0)
17%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
B
B.G. (Briarcliff Manor, US)
I learned a lot

I knew nothing about Bhutan going in to this lecture and I found it to be very interesting. Dr. Johnston's photos added a lot to the information he provided. The lecture was an excellent mix of general information and tourist-oriented information

J
John K (Washington, US)
A Fascinating Trip to a Far Way Place

Before Dr. Johnston's presentation we knew very little about Bhutan. Dr. Johnston did a wonderful job of giving the history of Bhutan along with beautiful pictures of things to see if you travel there. His advice for travelers would be better than any guidebook.

J
Joanne (Norwich, US)

Incredible presentation - so much information to absorb.

C
Catherine (Boulder, US)
Thoughtful and informative talk

I appreciated the details regarding the geography snd history of such an interesting place. Dr Johnson’s candid account of his own experience there was also very refreshing.

M
Martha Richardson (Clarkesville, US)
Bhutan

Excellent!