A Han green glaze cow by an unknown Chinese artist. One of the works in the Chinese Ceramics art Revealed at the Art Gallery of Western Australia

EXHIBITION

The history of Chinese Ceramics art comes into focus in a new show at the Art Gallery of Western Australia highlighting Chinese pottery as both funerary objects and objects of desire.

BY ARTCENTRON

AUSTRALIA- Seventy-six objects from the extensive collection of Chinese ceramics art belonging to Albert Yuen are on display at the Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA).  The exhibition is titled Chinese Ceramics Revealed, 5th Century BC – 1983: Highlights from the Yuen Collection.

Yuen is A Perth-based Hong Kong native.  He has a longstanding passion and knowledge for this important aspect of Chinese art. His collection covers significant moments for Chinese pottery. Objects from the collection fall under the Warring States, Han, Jin, Tang, Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties. Others are from the People’s Republic of China.

Chinese Ceramics Art History

Objects in the collection date from the 5th century BCE to the late 20th century. Many of the Chinese ceramics are made of earthenware, stoneware, proto-porcelain, and porcelain. Some of the objects are elegant while others are flamboyant.  Celadon-glazed vessels of the Song Period are some of one the elegant pieces in the collection.  Polychrome figurative vases of 18th-century Qing Chin fall in the flamboyant group. The striking and sophisticated blue-and-white objects are by every standard object of beauty. They are the legendary hallmark of Chinese porcelain production.

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The pieces have a long history both as funerary objects and as objects of desire. While some were placed in tombs, others were in wealthy homes for decorative enjoyment. In addition to their beauty, the objects are also functional.  They include weights, teacups, pouring vessels, flower vases, and serving plates. At a glance, the collection bears testimony to one of the most accomplished continuous artistic creations the world has seen.

In addition to the quality and beauty of the Chinese pottery, the stories they tell bring historical context to these valuable objects. Albert Yuen explains the collection thus:

The exquisite ancient ceramics in my precious collection tell many stories, but to me, they are, above all, an impressive expression of the richness of my ancestry. I am really delighted, as a long-term resident of Perth, that AGWA is presenting them for the first time to a wide public. As some of the oldest artworks ever presented at the Art Gallery I’m sure the show will be fascinating”

China Meets Australia

The curator of the show and AGWA Director, Dr. Stefano Carboni is proud that this important show is coming to AGWA.  “It is with pride that AGWA includes in its program this collaboration with one of the very few collectors who look back at their own heritage at the same time being fully and proudly Australian,” he said.

This is the first time AGWA is hosting an exhibition of historical Chinese ceramics.  The entire objects in the show are also from Western Australia collectors.

About Perth

Perth is the capital and the largest city of the Australian state of Western Australia. It is one of the most populous cities in Australia.  Perth is a tourist destination for travelers across the globe.  It has beautiful sceneries and tourist attractions, including, galleries, and museums.

Some of the major attractions include Kings Park & Botanic Garden, Fremantle Prison, Cottesloe Beach, and Round House. Others include Bell Tower, Perth Zoo, and Aquarium of Western Australia. Some of the major museums include the WA Shipwrecks Museum, Western Australian Museum- Maritime, and Art Gallery of Western Australia.

Perth city has hosted several art collections of high-quality Chinese objects in private hands in the past. However, they are overwhelmingly limited. They date to the past 150-200 years and geographically and culturally to Australia (Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal), Europe, and North America. Chinese Ceramics Revealed is on a larger scale than past exhibitions. It provides an insight into the dynamic relationship between the past and the present. Furthermore, it allows viewers to see how objects of beauty also serve as functional objects.

This new show at the Art Gallery of Western Australia reveals a long history of Chinese Ceramics art that are both funerary objects and objects of desire. Furthermore, visitors to the exhibition will get the opportunity to see the ideas and influences of Chinese ceramics on modern and contemporary art.

Chinese Ceramics Revealed, 5th Century BC – 1983: Highlights from the Yuen Collection through September 17, 2018, at the  Art Gallery of Western Australia.