Storied Stone: Reframing the Philadelphia Museum of Art's South Indian Temple Hall

Storied Stone explores the history of the sole example of historical Indian stone temple architecture publicly displayed outside the subcontinent, the installation of a 16th-century South Indian temple hall in the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The book combines memories and scholarship to illuminate the multilayered history of the mandapam, including its purchase by Adeline Pepper Gibson in 1913 and its reconfiguration in 1940 and 2016.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 03 May 2022
Publisher: Yale University Press

Storied Stone: A Behind-the-Scenes History of the Sixteenth-Century South Indian Temple Hall Installation in the Philadelphia Museum of Art delves into the captivating tale of the sole example of historical Indian stone temple architecture publicly displayed outside the subcontinent. This remarkable journey intertwines memories and scholarship, shedding light on the intricate tapestry of the temple hall's multilayered history.

In 1913, while on a visit to Madurai, Tamil Nadu, the Philadelphian Adeline Pepper Gibson acquired an extraordinary collection of more than 60 massive granite carvings. These architectural elements, graciously gifted to the Philadelphia Museum of Art in 1919, were meticulously arranged to create a magnificent temple hall (mandapam) within the museum's original building in 1920. However, the installation underwent a reconfiguration in 1940 when it found its new home in the museum's current building. In 2016, a transformative reimagining breathed new life into this historic space.

Storied Stone unfolds as a captivating narrative, blending elements of detective work, museum history, and case study. It delves into a century-long debate surrounding exhibition, authenticity, and interpretation within the museum, brought to life through striking new photography and previously unpublished archival images. This volume offers fresh insights into the original context and meaning of the carvings, while also highlighting the complexities of presenting such a masterpiece in the twenty-first century.

Published in association with the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Storied Stone is a testament to the museum's commitment to preserving and sharing the rich cultural heritage of the world. It invites readers to embark on a journey of discovery, exploring the intricate details and profound significance of this extraordinary temple hall installation.

Weight: 1084g
Dimension: 211 x 268 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780876332412