Reviving the Past: Antiquity & Antiquarianism in East Asian Art

October 25, 2008 through 2010

This thematic presentation of the Spencer’s permanent holdings in the arts of China, Korea, and Japan explores the idea of “antiquity” as a resonating force in the creative reframing of art and visual culture in East Asia from the Neolithic period to the contemporary. In China, the notion of fu gu or “returning to antiquity” was a process of constant renewal in which ideas, theories, and styles of art from the past were used to rethink and rejuvenate a wide range of media including painting, prints, bronzes, ceramics, religious art, and architecture. This installation not only examines how the phenomena of antiquarianism informed artistic production within East Asia but also considers the development of international trade and modern national identity as relevant factors in this process. As part of this ongoing installation, a selection of paintings, prints, screens, and select objects from the collection on the theme of antiquarianism will rotate routinely to refresh and stimulate ongoing dialogues about this rich topic.

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  The Boundaries of Heaven: Chinese Ink Painting in the Republican Period, 1911-1949

  As with any period of transition, the Republican era (1911-1949) was one of immense change. Political instability coupled with efforts to dramatically rethink Chinese culture, producing an embattled art world in which dynamic experimentation often clashed with the stalwart defense of tradition.

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  An Elegant Gathering: Selections from the Collection Honoring Dr. and Mrs. Li

  This selection of paintings honors the contributions and generosity of Dr. Chu-tsing Li, Judith Harris Murphy Distinguished Professor of Art History, and his wife, the late Yao Wen Li.

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  Circuits of Exchange: The Global Taste for Blue-and-White Ceramics

  Mass production of blue-and-white porcelain began sometime in the fourteenth century in Jingdezhen, China, and grew steadily in popularity over the next few centuries. The “blue” refers to the cobalt-derived under-glazing used to decorate the pristine “white” porcelain body.