A Fusion of Color

July 17 – August 31, 2003

Offering an historical and aesthetic perspective on Chinese glass craftsmanship, this exhibit will foster an appreciation for glass within the context of Chinese art and culture.

During the mid-eighteenth century, the palace workshops, influenced by the Jesuit missionaries, led to the development of the Western style shapes and articles in glass which were created to please the Emperor. Some of the motifs were taken from nature (flowers and birds), some from mythology (dragons), and some depict human figures.

This exhibition will feature glassworks of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912). Examples shown will include opaque and clear glass with carved overlays in red, green, blue, yellow, purple and orange. Court center vases, Imperial yellow bowls, covered jars, cups, snuff bottles, foliate dishes, disks and other select pieces will be featured. In addition, carvings with multiple colors of casing in both monochrome and cased glass will be shown.