Message from cschumacher

[Anonymous]

"Treasures from Shanghai" Bowers Museum (Santa Ana) - 2/18-819

Yesterday, on Chinese New Year, I attended the opening of the exhibit “Treasures from Shanghai” at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana. The Bowers was also celebrating the opening of a major new wing, so the day started with a dramatic Dragon parade with the pulsating drums, a ribbon cutting ceremony and the usual state politician with certificates. This was followed by a lecture given by Chen Kelun, deputy director of the Shanghai Museum. Interestingly, his talk was given in Chinese with many in the audience responding to his humor; I unfortunately was dependent on the translator. The lecture provided great background history on all the major pieces in the exhibit from a Neolithic painted pot from 4000BC through many bronze period artifacts, followed by Han, Sui-Tang, Song-Yuann, Ming, and Qing pieces. The finale was a gorgeous hand scroll from the Quing Dynasty that was of the Hai Pai School that combined traditional Chinese painting with Western elements. An earlier piece that was quite unique (Sui-Tang 581-907AD) was a polychrome camel which highlighted the influence of the Silk Road. Since I have been collecting inexpensive blue and white pottery since I started with Blue Imari for my wedding china (32 years ago), I found Mr. Kelun’s detailed information on the various blues used in Ming porcelain fascinating; now I don’t have to be concerned that my own blues are so varied, even seeming to clash at times. And yes, I was moved by the beauty of a Ming blue and white vase that was recently acquired for three million British pounds.

It was refreshing to see many children in attendance, happily trailing the dancing dragons. I applaud the parents for providing this field trip that our schools cannot seem to financially cover any longer. Also the museum had thoughtfully set up art and craft stations that were inspired by the collections. I was touring the museum with an old friend, and we reminisced about all the projects we had loved making back at old Emery Park School in the 50’s - possibly leading us both to be history majors in college. She’s presently a fourth grade teacher and laments the lack of time for extended, creative projects because of the demanding elementary curriculum dictated by the relentless standards.

For me Chinese New Year was very renewing. In addition to the Shanghai exhibit, the Bowers opened an additional new exhibit of Ansel Adams’ titled “One with Beauty,” and still has the continuing “Mummies” exhibit which is very strong. Enjoy!
Yesterday, on Chinese New Year, I attended the opening of the exhibit “Treasures from Shanghai” at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana. The Bowers was also celebrating the opening of a major new wing, so the day started with a dramatic Dragon parade with the pulsating drums, a ribbon cutting ceremony and the usual state politician with certificates. This was followed by a lecture given by Chen Kelun, deputy director of the Shanghai Museum. Interestingly, his talk was given in Chinese with many in the audience responding to his humor; I unfortunately was dependent on the translator. The lecture provided great background history on all the major pieces in the exhibit from a Neolithic painted pot from 4000BC through many bronze period artifacts, followed by Han, Sui-Tang, Song-Yuann, Ming, and Qing pieces. The finale was a gorgeous hand scroll from the Quing Dynasty that was of the Hai Pai School that combined traditional Chinese painting with Western elements. An earlier piece that was quite unique (Sui-Tang 581-907AD) was a polychrome camel which highlighted the influence of the Silk Road. Since I have been collecting inexpensive blue and white pottery since I started with Blue Imari for my wedding china (32 years ago), I found Mr. Kelun’s detailed information on the various blues used in Ming porcelain fascinating; now I don’t have to be concerned that my own blues are so varied, even seeming to clash at times. And yes, I was moved by the beauty of a Ming blue and white vase that was recently acquired for three million British pounds.

It was refreshing to see many children in attendance, happily trailing the dancing dragons. I applaud the parents for providing this field trip that our schools cannot seem to financially cover any longer. Also the museum had thoughtfully set up art and craft stations that were inspired by the collections. I was touring the museum with an old friend, and we reminisced about all the projects we had loved making back at old Emery Park School in the 50’s - possibly leading us both to be history majors in college. She’s presently a fourth grade teacher and laments the lack of time for extended, creative projects because of the demanding elementary curriculum dictated by the relentless standards.

For me Chinese New Year was very renewing. In addition to the Shanghai exhibit, the Bowers opened an additional new exhibit of Ansel Adams’ titled “One with Beauty,” and still has the continuing “Mummies” exhibit which is very strong. Enjoy!