Asia | National Library of Australia (NLA)

Asia

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Two people bending over a desk and looking at a book.

National Library of Australia staff looking at an album of paintings of Indian native costume on mica.

Collecting the stories of the Indian diaspora in Australia

We're actively looking for stories from Australians with Indian heritage to add to the national collection.

Information article
Angkor Wat, view of main temple from western side

Yves Coffin, [Angkor Wat, view of main temple from western side], nla.gov.au/nla.obj-140376204

The Angkor/Khmer Empire (802–1431)

Module

This resource is aligned to the Australian Curriculum: History for Year 8 students. It adopts an inquiry learning approach that develops students’ skills in investigating Asia-Pacific societies in depth.

Digital Classroom
A large, old text with Chinese characters is bound with traditional thread stitching, sitting on a shelf, supported by a white fabric strap wrapped around its cover. The edges of the pages are uneven, showing wear with the stitching slightly frayed. Other colourful books with Chinese characters are lined up alongside it on the shelf.
Chinese collections research guide

Get help to find and access material from the Library’s Chinese collection and beyond.

Research guide
Woman of Chinese heritage sitting on a couch in a nice house, wearing a colourful striped jumper and smiling

Anna Zhu, Dawna Leung, Thornleigh, Sydney, New South Wales, 31 May 2022, nla.obj-3084238106

Chinese-Australian family history research guide

Beginner researchers can use this guide to find resources to help learn about their domestic family history or trace their ancestral origins overseas.

Research guide
The Japanese print shows the major members of the Satsuma Rebellion, surrounding Takamori Saigo, the leading figure; the text at the back of each image explains more details about each figure.

Yoshitoshi Taiso & 大蘇芳年, Kagoshima bōto shōzō ryakuden Morimoto Junzaburō, Tōkyō, 1877, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-152241305

Japan under the Shoguns (794-1867)

Module

Examine Japan under the Shoguns (794-1867), focusing on the feudal system and its societal impacts.

Digital Classroom
Brochures from various years of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne on a black surface

Ephemera from the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, collected in 2024

Collecting your stories: Indian Diaspora in Australia

We're seeking ephemera, such as pamphlets, posters, badges and programs, from the Australian-Indian community.

News article
Hanho Times newspapers spread over a table, with focus on the 3-year anniversary issue
Now online: South Korean community newspaper the Hanho Times

See some of the stories contained in the Hanho Times Korean community newsletter.

Blog
Collection guide
Wang Collection

A vast repository of over 4,000 books, primarily in Chinese, covering history, culture, politics, and religion. Collected between 1950 and 2000, it includes rare texts from Taiwan and China, reflecting the richness of Chinese scholarship. Founded by Sing-wu Wang, this collection remains a cornerstone of the National Library of Australia, offering invaluable insights into East Asia’s past and present.

Collection guide
A rock sculpture with 2 figures

Yves Coffin, Coffin collection of photographs of Bali, Cham, Javanese, Khmer and Thai art, architecture and sculpture, (196?), nla.gov.au/nla.obj-140366892

Coffin Collection

Featuring over 4,700 photographs of ancient art and architecture across Southeast Asia is the Coffin Collection. Captured between 1955 and 1972 by Yves Coffin, this collection highlights Khmer monuments at Angkor, Cham sculptures, and Thai temples, alongside the art of Java and Bali. A valuable visual record of Southeast Asia's rich cultural heritage.

Collection guide
Tokyo and environs road map

Tokyo and environs road map, 1953, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-1584417804

Williams Collection

About 3200 books, pamphlets, serials, maps, newspapers and ephemera mainly related to Japan plus some works on China and Korea.

Collection guide
Collection guide
Australian Buddhist Library

Tripitakas, books and audio recordings dealing with Buddhist history, biography, literature, doctrines, philosophy and way of life and Buddhist folk tales.

Collection guide
Dr Tets Kimura smiling and sitting at a table in the Special Collections Reading Room with material relating to Japanese fashion spread out in front of him

2023 National Library of Australia Fellow, Dr Tets Kimura

Japanese fashion: History, evolution, influences and meaning

Hear from Dr Tets Kimura about his research, his time at the Library and what he’s doing next.

Blog

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