Spring 2020
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Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of the programs listed in the spring newsletter were cancelled or rescheduled during this unprecedented time.
Restoring the Imperial Screen
Motifs and Chinese characters on the Imperial Screen depict wishes for prosperity, good fortune and long life. Believed to have been a gift to Emperor Qianlong on his “white eyebrow” 80th birthday in 1791, this magnificent piece created from cinnabar, lacquer, carved stone and rosewood recently underwent major restoration to bring back the beauty hiding under layers of dust and tape! During the 7-month long conservation effort by the Conservation Center in Chicago, the Imperial Screen underwent a complete transformation. Now, back at the Lizzadro Museum in a 360-degree viewing case, scholars have been working on deciphering the motifs and exploring the history of this amazing piece. Two lectures this spring will focus on the screen’s journey, both recent and historic. On April 18th, Furniture Conservators from the Conservation Center will describe their methods and process of restoring the screen. Then on April 25th, Dr. Richard Pegg will present the hidden meanings observed in the motifs of the screen revealing some surprising new interpretations. Please join us as we explore this exquisite piece from Emperor Qianlong’s collection.
Re-carving the Past:
The Art of Chinese Bronzes and Jades
As the past is a primary source of historical and cultural consciousness in China, fascination with the material remnants of antiquity brought enormous inspiration to art creation. Jade carved to emulate the archaic forms and designs of ritual bronzes has been highly treasured by the elite class since the eleventh century. This practice reached its apogee during Emperor Qianlong’s reign in the eighteenth century. This exhibition features 11 bronzes from the MacLean Collection and 15 jade carvings from the Lizzadro Collection. By juxtaposing the early ritual bronzes and late imperial jade carvings, it highlights the major aestheticfeatures and symbolic associations of these two highly appreciated art forms. Dr. Tongyun Yin, our Curator of Asian Arts created this exhibit to explore the ritualistic and decorative relationship of bronze and jade forms for the opening of the new Museum. The special exhibit will close on June 21, 2020.
Member Double Discount 15 Days in May!
Museum Members double their 10% discount to 20% off May 2 thru May 17, 2020!
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