it's not American Airlines

but that's the first thing I thought when I saw the new logo for the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. Shamefully, I haven't visited the Museum since January 2009, when I rushed in during the last week of the showing to see Afghanistan: Hidden Treasures from the National Museum, Kabul. It was truly mind-blowing to see such elaborate goldwork kept by a nomadic people... modern-looking gold hearts to be sewn into a veil, ceremonial swords and cups, even a patina'd fountain with fish that swam when water was poured into it.

Nothing could really top those Afghan treasures, so I didn't visit the Museum again for over two years.

Then the curse was broken! I heard about Maharaja: The Splendor of India's Royal Courts, an inside look on how the wealthiest kings of India lived. What's not to love? Unabashedly bold colors, elephants, and jewelry! Loads and loads of jewelry!

Mumsy agreed to see the Maharaja exhibit with me on Thursday, when a special Matcha event was being held. There was a line out the door for the free food samples but I skipped it (AMAZING, I know.) We came to see the art, and I have no regrets with our decision to spend our time viewing the artifacts rather than stand in line for a bite. I can go to Costco for that!

The paintings, robes, muskets, thrones, and jewelry are all worth seeing in person so no pictures... also, no photos allowed in American museums (duh!) Among many things, I found an interesting similarity between Indian and Byzantine art: I've always known that Byzantine emperors and Jesus are depicted with halos. It turns out that Maharajas and other people of great importance are endowed with halos in Indian art, though they prefer green halos over gold or red. True in both cultures: the bigger the halo, the more important you are.

a Maharaja vs. Emperor Justinian

For my thrifty friends: Matcha nights are every Thursday from 5-9PM, January through October. It's a $10 ticket for four hours of museum musing, including any special exhibitions running. Otherwise, it's $17 for general admission and extra for the headliner, which is currently Maharaja. The first Sunday of every month is free for kids and just $5 general admission.

Not all Matcha nights have a special event. But whether or not they do, Thursday nights are still a great deal.