Pacific Asian Museum

[Anonymous]

thanks for the idea. I had also missed a class and was looking for an alternative idea. Due to other obligations I havent been able to, so I will attempt the other assignment. However, I've had an interest in attending one of the many Asiana museums in the area. I wasn't sure where to start. The China exhibit you mention fascinates me. I've had a tremendous interest in Mao and propaganda of his time. I'd love to see this propaganda if there is any available there. I also like the idea of individuals striving to own only four things. I think this would be a great writing topic for kids in relating and connecting to the culture of that time period.

[Anonymous]

(note: post for having missed a session)

After responding to the above post, i too decided to visit the Pacific Asia Museum in Pasadena this afternoon.
I was particularly fond of the modern art display they had up. I was quite pleased to see that much of the art showed an open rejection of western capitalism. Some of the more recent pieces depicted almost Warhol-esque reactions to advertising. There was a piece that showed children in worker roles, fighting off American ideals such as capitalism and showed American military invading. It showed that the children were taught to embrace their role in society early on.
In much of the art I saw today, particularly the Chinese, I was impressed by the use of color.
I was also interested in the ceramics on display. As the display stated, it does indeed go to show why fine ceramics are referred to as "China."
I had wondered why much of the ceramics displayed the Phoenix and dragon. I did not realize that this was tribute to the emperor and or empress.
Much of the stoneware, including pottery, from Thailand and warring period China reminded me of some of the stoneware that has been passed down through my family in the southwestern US and northern Mexico. Ours was very practical and much of it is still used. I was impressed by how the Asians took it beyond utility and made it art as well. The Jade art and tools also reminded me of some of the tools and art used in the Southwestern United States by native peoples as well.
On a curious note, I was reminded much of what the presenter who spoke of Korea said: "Korea is not small." I did feel Korea was very under-represented in this museum.

[Rob_Hugo@PortNW]

Unfortunately I had to miss a lecture due to outdoor education. Therefore I went to the Pacific Asian Museum in Pasadena to supplement my missed lecture. I wish it had more on Japanese history, but it was an interesting trip. I recommend going only if you are in Pasadena and have an hour or two to spare, but I came from Palos Verdes, during winter break, and it took over an hour and a half to get there.

The collection is sparse but beautiful. I really enjoyed looking at all of the porcelain and jade, especially since I had learned so much about the symbols and the importance of the materials of the pottery. I also enjoyed the China exhibit, focusing on 1920-current day. This exhibit was filled with propaganda for the cultural revolution and Mao. I really enjoyed how the Chinese would place such a large importance on family relations and how if you were a good citizen to the family, then you were a good citizen for the state. I also thought it was interesting that while Mao was in charge individuals strived to own only four things- a bicycle, a radio, a watch, and a sewing machine. I think telling my students this would really open their eyes to their own life and what a communist regime focused on. I plan on comparing this philosophy with communism in eastern europe, and in particular using the museum of communism's website (in prague) and what communism was like in eastern europe.

I also enjoyed the buddhist figurines found in the Pacific Asian Museum. And of course the beautiful architecture of the museum was reason alone to visit.

[Anonymous]

I agree with your observation of Korea being under-represented. As I recall one of the most significant pieces representing Korea was the "Sitting Buddha" and coincidentally enough, it was one of the last items I documented on my tour. The room of statues and drums was in my opinion a somber place in the facility. I felt a sense of curiosity and reverence while observing the many forms of religious icons. The similarity between Asian and Indian art forms were also very interesting. I saw various forms of "Ganesh" in numerous statuettes.

In addition, my tour of "China Modern (21st Century) the "Mao" room was uniquely stimulating. The artifacts and posters were indicative of the Communist "pop-art" of that era. It was amazing how the uniqueness of a lunch pail, red shoulder bag or graphic poster describing allegiance to Mao became such an eclectic representation of this period in history.

I also agree that the china and porcelains were uniquely presented in an art form worthy of its craftmen. Everyday china and the delicate pieces we would place in the cabinet and take out only during the most special occassions were given equal representation. It was all art. Something to be adored.

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