A stone pavilion on the water, with a dancing god and two angry temple guards.
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Walk out of the main building and you find a small, sharp-edged pavilion surrounded by water. Inside, art from India, Indonesia, China, Japan and Korea waits in calm, low light.
The Asian Pavilion opened in 2013, when the Rijksmuseum reopened after ten years of renovation. The Spanish architects Cruz y Ortiz designed it in Portuguese sandstone and glass, with many slanted walls and surprising views. It stands on its own in the garden on the south side of the museum. The galleries tell the story of Asian art through statues of gods, temple guardians, porcelain, jewellery and paintings. Some objects came to the Netherlands through centuries of trade with Asia, including the colonial past in Indonesia. Others were bought much later. The Dancing Shiva from India and two huge wooden guardians from Japan are the best known.
Six things to look for. Works sometimes move, so ask at the desk.
Shiva dances inside a ring of fire. Look for the tiny demon under his foot: he stands for ignorance.
Usually in room 1 of the Asian PavilionThey look terrifying on purpose: their job was to keep evil out of a Japanese temple. They are about 700 years old.
Usually in room 2 of the Asian PavilionA wooden figure from China, about 900 years old, sitting relaxed with one knee up. Guanyin helps people who are in trouble.
Usually in room 2 of the Asian PavilionThe god Vishnu rests on a giant snake while he dreams the world into being.
Usually in room 1 of the Asian PavilionA stone guardian from Java, more than 1,000 years old. He once stood at the entrance of a temple.
Usually in room 1 of the Asian PavilionSmall horses and camels from China. They were placed in graves to help the dead on their journey.
Usually in room 2 of the Asian PavilionFollow the signs from the main building to the pavilion. Start downstairs with the Dancing Shiva and the gods from India and Java. Go up to the second room for the Japanese temple guardians, the Guanyin and the Chinese tomb figures. Take a last look at the water outside before you go back.
Pull your scariest temple-guardian face. Then look for the snake, the horse and the camel.
Combine your visit and plan the rest of your day.