 Asian Artifacts
Feb. 28 through May 16
Asian paintings, calligraphy, carved ivory, and ceramics are on display in the Peninsula Museum of Art’s Collections Room from Feb. 28 through May 16.
The paintings and calligraphy are part of a collection donated by Margaret Chuh to the Museum’s Permanent Collection several years ago. The ceramics and carved ivory pieces are on loan from private collectors.
Traditional Chinese painting has developed continuously over a period of more than six thousand years. Its growth has inevitably reflected the changes of time and social conditions. In its early stage of development, Chinese painting was closely related to the other crafts, from pottery to the decorations used on bronzes, carved jade, and lacquerware.
The history of Chinese calligraphy is as long as that of China itself and is one of the highest forms of Chinese art. In studying Chinese calligraphy, one must learn something of the origins of Chinese language and of how the characters were originally written. Chinese calligraphy serves the purpose of conveying thought but also shows the abstract beauty of the line.
Rhythm, line, and structure are equally important in the creation and appreciation of Asian ceramics and sculpture. The ceramic artifacts exhibited range from a pair of porcelain lanterns (era of Emperor Pu Yi) and a large white porcelain Kuan Yin to a celadon incense burner and a greenish-brown dragon vase.
The carved ivory pieces include figures of Japanese notables, an unusual Asian-style St. Peter, and, of course, Buddhas.
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