Women in Asian Art

Explore the important, richly varied roles women have played in Asian art through the Society for Asian Art’s Spring 2017 Arts of Asia lecture series. The program examines how women have been perceived and portrayed as powerful deities, virtuous wives, respected mothers and sensual lovers. As these roles are highlighted, so are the myriad ways women have thrust off familiar roles and acted in their own rights as leaders, patrons and artists. Image: The Hindu deity Durga (detail), 1977, by Sita Devi (Indian, 1914–2005). Ink and colors on paper. Asian Art Museum, Museum purchase, 1999.39.5. © Estate of Sita Devi. Photograph © Asian Art Museum.