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THIS & THAT – things of interest
This & That
The Burrell Collection
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GLASGOW
After a six year refurbishment closure, this fabulous has museum opened its doors once again to the public. The exhibition space has increased by 35%, allowing much more space for display. The collection was formed by wealth shipping merchant Sir William Burrell (1861-1958), who bequeathed the entire collection to the city of Glasgow. One of his major collecting areas was Chinese art, including porcelains from the Ming and Qing dynasty and - unusually for that period – also early ceramics, bronzes and jades. He acquired art through major dealers in London, painstakingly recording each addition in his purchase books. There are some incredible displays, making this museum a must see for any Chinese art enthusiast. ◆ burrellcollection.com
Hong Kong Palace Museum
The recently opened Hong Kong Palace Museum, is located on the waterfront of the West Kowloon cultural district. Dedicated to Chinese art and culture, it presents over 900 treasures from the Palace Museum in Beijing, many of them on display in Hong Kong for the first time. The museum will also regularly feature special exhibitions. ◆ www.hkpm.org.hk
Asian Art Societies
The Royal Asian Art Society (KVVAK), The Netherlands, was founded in 1918, to encourage a broader interest in Asian art. They hold a collection of over 1850 artworks, on loan to the Rijksmuseum. They offer a triannual journal Aziatistische Kunst, as well as organising excursions, lectures and courses. Membership €80 p.a. €95 overseas. ◆ kvvak.nl | @kvvakasianart
Founded in 1921, The Oriental Ceramic Society (OCS), is a leading international society for the study and appreciation of Asian art, with a special focus on ceramics. They publish an annual journal (Transactions of The Oriental Ceramics Society) and regular newsletters. They organise handling sessions, lectures and excursions. Membership £55 p.a. (£50 overseas). ◆ orientalceramicsociety.org.uk | @theorientalceramicsociety
Dragons & Pagodas - A Celebration of Chinoiserie
ALDOUS BERTRAM
Arts of Asia
Arts of Asia (est. 1970) is a quarterly magazine about Asian art and antiques. It is one of the foremost specialist magazines in its field, providing insights into the Asian art market. You can choose between a printed or digital edition. ◆ artsofasia.com
@artsofasiamagazine
Chinoiserie is a term for Western art and design inspired by a largely invented vision of China. Marco Polo’s sensational account of his visit to the exotic East in the 13th century sparked a fascination with China, that reached a fever pitch in the 18th century and continues to this day. Art historian and artist Aldous Bertram has long been captivated by chinoiserie. His book Dragons & Pagodas is organized by theme, including porcelain, colour and pattern, flora, fauna, and architecture. Each chapter is bursting with images ranging from grand European summer palaces and whimsical pagoda follies to charming details of screens, porcelain figurines, and ornate plasterwork. Complete with Bertram’s own chinoiserie-inspired watercolours and collages, Dragons & Pagodas is an irresistible confection and an example of chinoiserie in its own right.
Aldous Bertram is an artist, illustrator, muralist, and interior designer who works for Lindroth Design. He received his PhD from Cambridge University, specializing in the historical influence of China on English garden design and architecture. His interiors have been featured in several design publications. He lives in Charleston, South Carolina. @aldousbertram | @dragons_and_pagodas
