Marla and I were in Boston for our grandson’s graduation form Boston College. It was wonderful to be with the family on such an occasion. We all had dinner at one of Paxton’s favorites, Eataly. Paxton’s friend Johnnie joined us as well.

The breakfast service at Ramsay’s Kitchen in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel was abysmal! There was a surprising staffing meltdown and no one was getting service. Our daughter Lisa said “This is ridiculous “ and grabbed a water pitcher and started filling water glasses at nearby tables! The manager finally saw this and wasn’t pleased. I love Lisa’s sense of duty and pluck!

Everyone wanted to see the Museum of Fine Arts after breakfast.

Paxton was our trusted leader, guiding us to the museum.

John Singer Sargent paintings on the Rotunda dome.

Ray admires a beautiful urn.

We love this museum as you can tell!

Logan and Paxton wanted to visit the Art of Ancient Egypt wing.

The entrance to the Art of Ancient Egypt wing.

There was an interesting exhibit of “The Korean Wave.”

The MFA has a fabulous collection of Asian art. This is a Japanese sculpture of “Amida, Buddha of Infinite Light with attendants.” Edo Period, 1737.

Marla and our daughter Lisa enjoying the exhibition.

A Tang Dynasty Buddhist shrine in limestone.

I have always been intrigued by bronze drums from throughout Asia. This is from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 2nd century A.D.

Lisa was particularly interested in this silver repousse decorated headgear from the Chinese Liao Dynasty, late 10th -early 11th century.

This was Marla’s very favorite, “Water-Moon Guanyin.” Bodhisattva of Compassion, Jin Dynasty, about 1200. Guanyin was introduced to China from India, where Buddhism originated. By the Song and Jin dynasties, devotion to the benevolent bodhisattva was widespread, and his image appeared in many Buddhist temples. He sits relaxed in what is known as the “royal ease.” (Note: Guanyin, the Chinese translation of Avalokiteshvara, the Buddhist bodhisattva of compassion, was originally depicted as a male or gender-neutral entity, but gradually became a female deity in China over a millennium. In early Chinese Buddhist art, Guanyin was often depicted as a handsome prince. However, as Guanyin belief spread, the gender transformed to female, and by the Ming (1358–1644) and Qing (1644–1911) periods, Guanyin had become the most popular female deity in China. 

The Japanese Temple Room was designed in 1909.

Lisa takes a photo.

A close up.

A young person is fascinated by a sculpture.

A Japanese Heian period 12th century sculpture of “Daiitoky myoo, the Wisdom King of Great Awe-inspiring Power.” It was carved from a single piece of cypress to form the front and the back.

A colorful Late 19th century Meiji Period robe worn by a “Noh”play performer.

A “Noh” performer’s mask.

I highly recommend the MFA on any visit to Boston.

Photos: Dick Gentry. Not to be used without permission.