china modern

[clay dube]

Hi Folks,
I hope you enjoyed the Pacific Asia Museum visit. The guest curator produced the book Made in China which I purchased at the gift shop. Google Books has much of it online. Check it out at:
http://books.google.com/books?id=ThwJorpkDAkC&printsec=frontcover&dq=Kalim+Winata&source=bl&ots=XseoXafYC4&sig=9HTxHdru3LbofUwE1pk4gSTLjI0&hl=en&ei=_rhcTMTrO4H68AbV36CCAg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=8&ved=0CDAQ6AEwBw#v=onepage&q&f=false

[Anonymous]

I enjoyed the field trips to the Huntington Museum and Pacific Asia Museum. As a backyard landscaper and gardener, I particularly took an interest in The Chinese and Japanese Botanical Gardens. I was able to actually pick up a couple of ideas for some projects in my backyard! I was really impresssed by the craftmanship of the Chinese landscapers and stone masons that were recruited to assist with the construction of the Chinese gardens. The delicate work of the bonzai trees and the Karesansui dry landscape garden caught my attention while viewing the Japanese garden.
The Pacfic Asia Museum was also interesting. I found the exhibit on "A Revolution in Culture" to be the most interesting to me. Studying the Chinese household goods, advertisements and propaganda posters gave me insight into life in Mao's cummunist China.
I felt the museum tours would be good for students to take in order to visually gain more information on the cultures of East Asian countries. Additionally, thank you for the wonderful Chinese lunch! Rob

[Anonymous]

The "shifting winds" of communist policies in the period following Mao's victory over the Nationalist forces in 1949 was a focal point for me during Thursday's lecture series. The shift away from Soviet-inspired policies and advisors to programs such as the Great Leap Forward would have powerful impacts on China. While the Great Leap Forward mobilized the masses to construct roads, canals and buildings such as the Great Hall of the People, it also led to the deaths of over 20 million Chinese due to famine from poor planning and bad weather. Mao's effort to rekindle the revolutionary spirit in the people while weeding out corrupt officials, educated elites and those who questioned his earlier programs would be carried out by the nation's youth in the Cultural Revolution.
The lecture and readings gave more depth to my understanding of the period. I found it interesting that Mao's own pride which had been damaged by criticisms of the Great Leap Forward played a role in his instigating the Cultural Revolution. The film, TO LIVE, will enable me to reinforce my teaching on this era and give the students a visual glimpse into how the communists carried out these policies and reveal the effects they had upon the Chinese. Rob

[Anonymous]

Thank you for posting the link to book. I looked for this last night online and couldn't find it.

I just loved the exhibition at the Pacific Asian Museum on Modern China. Although I've already committed my lesson plan to a look at the political and economic history of China from 1900 to 1945, I would love to create a stand alone lesson on the cultural changes in China during the same period. Students love advertisements and it would be great to do a project having them analyze pieces from the exhibition through various decades.

I am also intrigued by Shanghai as the so-called Paris of the East. I'd love to learn more about this (I wrote down the titles of books they had in the museum shop) and could made do something with this later on down the line after reading up more on the development of Shanghai as a cosmopolitan city during the same period. We do an interwar 1920s dinner party in World and have students research and act out a character from the period (famous people or representations of famous people from the US and Europe). It was really fun--perhaps this year I can include China in the mix. The end goal is to have students realize that prosperity was limited in the 1920s and how the US was the lynchpin to the economic success of Europe (ala the Dawes Plan) at the time.

[Anonymous]

What I also love about visiting museums is seeing how exhibitions are laid out to try and grab ideas for world projects. Although we are moving towards doing projects using technology, often it is fun to mix it up and have students do something that requires good ole hands-on construction. To that end, I loved the map at the beginning of the Silk Road exhibition and stations inside there with costumes from different places along the route. Students love to dress up, and seeing exhibitions like this reminds me that I need to include more props/creative projects that asks students to look at history through different mediums (e.g. clothing, art, music), and the like. As long as their as a critical thinking task attached to each and a clear rubric, the students will learn.

[Anonymous]

The Huntington was breath taking. I shared with a few how much my wife, who is the landscape architect, chief of the landscape crew, and the the only member of the crew(I call her affectionately THE OX) on our homestead would love an extended visit there. Soon after I called her, as the information sage, with excitement to fill her in on the gardens, their extensiveness and their beauty, only to find she knew far more about the locale than me.(Oh Shucks!!!@!#^**@) Upon returning home I suggested that perhaps I could, in a small, amature way, begin to infuse some Japanese features in the garden. She said she could find a little space for that endeavor. When I asked how much space she said "do you happen to have a newspaper?"
Whenever I visit a place that has artifacts steeped in antiquity my imagination runs wild and I start to think of the time, place, and the individuals involved in the renderings. So was the case in this instance. I was time traveling the entire time there. Perhaps because I have a greater grasp of the 20th century than the Paleolithic period of time, my mind's chatter was on overload when looking at the modern China exhibition, particularly those pieces that addressed the city of Shanghai. I think for our students who at times are more about things than written commentaries, examining artifacts of China (1960-present ) would be an attention getting, eye-opening entrée to investigating and reflecting on China's history.
This was a great way to end the week & a special thanks to Xin is in order for her gastronomical insight and the selection of that restaurant. As I've stated before in life for me it is often about the food before anything else. The Institute has had a profound effect on me that will change many of my views about a lot of things. I remain grateful. When my wife asked "what would you like for dinner on Saturday... there was no hesitation.. Chinese of course." We had frequented this place a number of times and are on a first name basis with the owners and their children. Up until that time I had never thought about asking about their backgrounds. Ironically she stated she was from Laos, but quickly and adamantly inserted both of my parents are Chinese!
Together We Can ( Do Anything!!)
Rand

[Anonymous]

Nihao, Konichiwa,

The field trip was awesome! Personally, at the Huntington, identifying the difference between a Chinese and Japanese garden is what will stay with me forever. The greens, rock and water aspects of the Japanese garden create, for me a much more meditative and "Buddhist" feel. The Chinese, on the other hand, by mixing in pagodas and calligraphy into the setting, I felt a much more "directed meditation" aspect - a very Confucius push towards correct focus in thinking!

I also enjoyed the Zen "karensansui" garden and the Bonsai garden.

LUNCH WAS SOOOOOOO GOOD!!! Thanks Xin for finding the place!

The Pacific Asia Museum was also wonderful. Their Silk Road Exhibit was well done for younger students and their collection of pottery was amazing!! How Blue Cobalt from Iraq and Iran was needed by the Chinese for their porcelain is a great way to describe the importance of the Silk road trade from both sides!

I took many pictures of the different types of earthenware, stoneware and porcelain. The stories by our docent of how the museum acquired some of the pieces was amazing (Ming era dog bowl)

The tsutsugaki - rice resist blue and white japanese dyed fabrics were very cool. I have done tie dye with my students, and this part of japanese culture may give me a link to the activity.

The buddhist and Hindu exhibits were very interesting, but I think the new exhibit on the 1960's and Mao I enjoyed the most. To see how advertising was evolving in the "Cosmopolitan Capitalism" section through the clothing and fabric labels was amazing. The 5 Goats and Happiness Brand box cameras looked interestingly like Kodak cameras to me! The fascination with space and technology was interesting considering the Chinese had absolutely no way to keep up with the Soviets or Americans at that time. By focusing on the ideas and toys etc. it would make it seem to the average Zhou (ha ha) that they were on the cutting edge and just two experiments away from orbiting the earth!

As for the Mao specific items, what can you say- Mao stuff pretty much looks the same. The most interesting pieces to me were the four wood block prints - done in 1960. Using a traditional method to transmit a modern idea would be a powerful way to grab the attention of the older parts of society. "See, this is no different from our ancient roots". Most of the flashy stuff was geared, I'm sure, to the younger generations.

I would like to visit both museums again someday, especially the Huntington (it's just so HUGE). It was a great day, lots of pictures and 4 Mao buttons to share with my students 😀

See you Monday,

M-W[Edit by="jmorgan on Aug 8, 9:11:08 AM"][/Edit]

[Anonymous]

I really enjoyed the Asia Pacific Museum, particularly the exhibit on Mao. The posters, buttons, uniform & bag, and I can't forget to mention the "Little Red Book" turned what we learned about this into tangible reality. The propaganda posters were facinating to see - their messages clear. I was also impressed with the art work that was used on ads and calendars. I hope everyone heard that there is funding for field trip buses that teachers can apply for!

[Anonymous]

Here are a few of my "fusion bonsai"

I call them "fusion" because I use Japanese, Chinese and my own traditions in building them.

My Bonsai begin with a red dedication rock buried in the bottom with names and date of creation (I also include a piece from the original plastic pot I bought the plant in for good luck).

Bamboo signifies number in family or years.

Granite, broken by "stone on stone impact" . Large (mtn) symbolize individual(s).

Medium size symbolize years.

small gravel signifies the many days in a life.

Tam Juniper- this is for me. I am "water Tiger" in Zodiac hence Blue pot. The out of control nature of Tam is perfect for me- Organized confusion. 5 bamboo connected symbolize my family growing up- Dad and 2 sons (blue) amd mom (red). My new Confucius sits between the Tam, but he will be replaced with a tiger soon. The small granite mountain symbolizes me, strengthened by my family growing up.

[Edit by="jmorgan on Aug 8, 3:11:25 PM"][/Edit]

[Anonymous]

Wood snake /blue chip juniper

this is for my wife. She is "Wood Snake". Earth tone pot. Blue chip juniper is very neat, organized- like my wife. Bamboo- 2 red and two blue connected, one blue separated (my wife's parents divorced, her mom raised family of 1 daughter and 2 sons. Small granite mountain is her-raised by her family.
[Edit by="jmorgan on Aug 8, 3:04:59 PM"][/Edit]

[Anonymous]

Family Pichurra (3 Asian Money trees)

Pachirra- 3 Asian money trees (for my three kids). 2 Granite Mountains in back (my wife and I).
5 connected bamboo (5 red 1 gold) between mountains= years dating and engaged
20 large stones between mountains and trees = 20 years marriage. Tree 1 "oldest son" surrounded by marriage stones (he earns a small granite mountain this year- he is 18 and starts college!)
5 bamboo between trees =family of 2 sons and a daughter.[Edit by="jmorgan on Aug 8, 3:06:04 PM"][/Edit]

[Anonymous]

Thanks for posting the link to the book "Made in China" - it's a great book! It's another example of how art tells the story. I regret that I didn't notice this book while visiting the book store because I would have bought it there, to support the museum's gift shop. Since I didn't, I went to half.com and purchased it this morning. It should be arriving in a few days - can't wait.

[Anonymous]

Re: Huntington Library trip
The Chinese Garden and Tea House was beautiful. I like how they were so careful during planning and construction to keep it authentic, and not make it an Americanized version of a Chinese garden. Our guide shared how they brought over Chinese workers and that they made their own handmade tools instead of using the power tools that were provided for them. Much thought went into what would be placed where. This garden encourages a person to slow down, have a cup of tea, and relax...contemplate...enjoy.
The Japanese Garden was also beautiful. I enjoyed seeing the house and the Bonsai trees. I like the way they put lime on the dead branches, turing them white, to create a constrast of color between the live parts and the dead. Many of the views in the garden look like they're right out of a picture. Our guide told us that part of the restoration will include removing things that shouldn't be in an authentic Japanese garden and adding things that should.

This is a great place and I look forward to returning after the Japanese Garden reopens in a year.

Thank you for a GREAT lunch! Suzanne Lopez

[Anonymous]

The exhibition in the Asian Pacific Museum really opened my eyes. I was amazed to see how the politics can use popular culture and art as tools to convey the new ideas and promote political campaigns to every age level. Also, the Mao's image could be found every household items in the Cultural Revolution. Recalling the scenes in the movie, "To Live", everything in the wedding including groom and bride's outfit, wedding gifts, and the background of family photo was circled around the icon of chairman Mao. I love how this program is designed. Lectures, movies, and field trips all work together to expand our understanding in China history. Thanks for everything.

[Anonymous]

I enjoyed when the docent shared with us that in order to create the authentic garden, the Huntington Library especially hired the craftsmen and stone artisans from the Suzhou in China. They were not used to the tools here, so they spent days to make their own tools first and then did the work. I was picturing the scene and felt very respectful for their working attitude. Also, while the docent was explaining the design, there are Asian kids running around near us. The docent took the opportunity and said it was good to see the gardens provide a place for heritage kids to explore their cultures.

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