On the Silk Road and High Seas: Chinese Ceramics, Culture and Commerce
Organized by the Norton Museum of Art
August 21–November 21, 2010

 

       

Since the second century BCE, the so-called “Silk Road” stretched for thousands of miles from eastern China to the Black Sea, thus linking the great civilizations of east Asia with those of southwest Asia and, thereby, to Europe. In later centuries the trade and cultural influences which flowed back and forth on land were transferred to the sea, as maritime shipping eventually came to dominate world commerce. The superb examples of Chinese ceramics featured in this exhibition were prized at home and treasured abroad, where they were indeed rarities until the mid 18th century. Specific styles and innovations that arose as a result of cross-cultural exchanges are highlighted.

Left Image: Ewer (kendi) made for the Persian (now Iran) market.  Ming dynasty, Wanli period (1573–1619).  Porcelain, underglaze cobalt blue decoration.  Height 7 ½ in. (19.1 cm).  Gift of Leo and Doris Hodroff, 2002.109.2
Middle Image: Peacock blue fish vase with ormolu mount.  Qing dynasty, Jiaqing reign (1796–1820); Gilt bronze mounts in Louis XV style, 19th century.  Porcelain, overglaze enamel or enamel-on-biscuit decoration.  17 x 10 ¼ x 6 ¾ in. (43.2 x 26 x 17.1 cm).  Gift of The Leo and Doris Hodroff Collection, 2003.181.2a-b
Right Image:  Punch bowl with scene of the trade district or Hong in Canton.  Qing dynasty, about 1780.  Porcelain, overglaze enamel and gold decoration.  Overall 5 ¼ x diam. 12 3/8 in. (13.3 x 31.4 cm).  Foot diam. 6 9/16 in. (16.7 cm).  Gift of The Leo and Doris Hodroff Collection, 2003.182
Organized by the Norton Museum of Art.
This exhibition is made possible in part through the generosity of John and Heidi Niblack.