• Installation view, featuring figurines relating to concepts and practices of the afterlife. Image courtesy of Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2019. Photo by Joseph Hu.
    Important: By downloading this image, you are agreeing to the following permissions: Images are provided exclusively to the press, and only for purposes of publicity for the duration of an exhibition at the PMA. The Museum grants permission to use images only to the extent of its ownership rights relating to those images--the responsibility for any additional permissions remains solely with the party reproducing the images. In addition, the images must be accompanied by the credit line and any copyright information as it appears above, and the party reproducing the images must not distort or mutilate the images.
  • “Musicians on Horseback,” mid-7th century, made in China. Earthenware with traces of painted decoration, dimensions vary from 10 3/4 - 12 5/16 x 8 11/16 - 9 7/16 inches. Gift of Charles H. Ludington from the George Crofts Collection, 1923. Image courtesy of Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2019.
    Important: By downloading this image, you are agreeing to the following permissions: Images are provided exclusively to the press, and only for purposes of publicity for the duration of an exhibition at the PMA. The Museum grants permission to use images only to the extent of its ownership rights relating to those images--the responsibility for any additional permissions remains solely with the party reproducing the images. In addition, the images must be accompanied by the credit line and any copyright information as it appears above, and the party reproducing the images must not distort or mutilate the images.
  • “Tomb Guardian Creatures (Zhenmushou),” early to mid-8th century, made in China. Left figure: Earthenware with three-colored (sancai) glaze, 38 5/16 × 13 15/16 × 9 11/16 inches. Right figure: Earthenware with sancai (tricolor) glaze and traces of painted decoration on head, 38 1/16 × 15 1/16 × 9 3/8 inches. Gift of Charles H. Ludington from the George Crofts Collection, 1923. Image courtesy of Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2019.
    Important: By downloading this image, you are agreeing to the following permissions: Images are provided exclusively to the press, and only for purposes of publicity for the duration of an exhibition at the PMA. The Museum grants permission to use images only to the extent of its ownership rights relating to those images--the responsibility for any additional permissions remains solely with the party reproducing the images. In addition, the images must be accompanied by the credit line and any copyright information as it appears above, and the party reproducing the images must not distort or mutilate the images.
  • "Votive Stele," mid- 6th century, artist/maker unknown, Chinese. Marble with traces of painted decoration, 22 1/16 × 10 7/8 × 5 7/8 inches. Gift of Stanley Griswold Flagg, Jr., 1927. Image courtesy of Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2019.
    Important: By downloading this image, you are agreeing to the following permissions: Images are provided exclusively to the press, and only for purposes of publicity for the duration of an exhibition at the PMA. The Museum grants permission to use images only to the extent of its ownership rights relating to those images--the responsibility for any additional permissions remains solely with the party reproducing the images. In addition, the images must be accompanied by the credit line and any copyright information as it appears above, and the party reproducing the images must not distort or mutilate the images.
  • "Horse," artist/maker unknown, Chinese, 2nd century. Earthenware with traces of painted decoration, 47 inches. Gift of Jeffrey C. and Carol B. Blank, 2005. Image courtesy of Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2019.
    Important: By downloading this image, you are agreeing to the following permissions: Images are provided exclusively to the press, and only for purposes of publicity for the duration of an exhibition at the PMA. The Museum grants permission to use images only to the extent of its ownership rights relating to those images--the responsibility for any additional permissions remains solely with the party reproducing the images. In addition, the images must be accompanied by the credit line and any copyright information as it appears above, and the party reproducing the images must not distort or mutilate the images.
  • Installation view, featuring contemporary photography and sculptural objects relating to concepts and practices of the afterlife. Image courtesy of Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2019. Photo by Joseph Hu.
    Important: By downloading this image, you are agreeing to the following permissions: Images are provided exclusively to the press, and only for purposes of publicity for the duration of an exhibition at the PMA. The Museum grants permission to use images only to the extent of its ownership rights relating to those images--the responsibility for any additional permissions remains solely with the party reproducing the images. In addition, the images must be accompanied by the credit line and any copyright information as it appears above, and the party reproducing the images must not distort or mutilate the images.
  • "Post from a House-shaped Sarcophagus," first half of 8th century, artist/maker unknown, Chinese. Limestone, 41 5/16 x 11 7/16 inches; Width of rabbets: 3 1/8 inches - 3 7/8 inches. Purchased with Museum funds, 1931. Image courtesy of Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2019.
    Important: By downloading this image, you are agreeing to the following permissions: Images are provided exclusively to the press, and only for purposes of publicity for the duration of an exhibition at the PMA. The Museum grants permission to use images only to the extent of its ownership rights relating to those images--the responsibility for any additional permissions remains solely with the party reproducing the images. In addition, the images must be accompanied by the credit line and any copyright information as it appears above, and the party reproducing the images must not distort or mutilate the images.
  • "Panel from a House-shaped Sarcophagus," first half of 8th century, artist/maker unknown, Chinese. Limestone, 41 5/16 × 22 13/16 × 3 9/16 inches. Purchased with Museum funds, 1931. Image courtesy of Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2019.
    Important: By downloading this image, you are agreeing to the following permissions: Images are provided exclusively to the press, and only for purposes of publicity for the duration of an exhibition at the PMA. The Museum grants permission to use images only to the extent of its ownership rights relating to those images--the responsibility for any additional permissions remains solely with the party reproducing the images. In addition, the images must be accompanied by the credit line and any copyright information as it appears above, and the party reproducing the images must not distort or mutilate the images.
  • "Post from a House-shaped Sarcophagus," first half of 8th century, artist/maker unknown, Chinese. Limestone, 41 5/16 × 11 7/16 × 6 15/16 inches. Purchased with Museum funds, 1931. Image courtesy of Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2019.
    Important: By downloading this image, you are agreeing to the following permissions: Images are provided exclusively to the press, and only for purposes of publicity for the duration of an exhibition at the PMA. The Museum grants permission to use images only to the extent of its ownership rights relating to those images--the responsibility for any additional permissions remains solely with the party reproducing the images. In addition, the images must be accompanied by the credit line and any copyright information as it appears above, and the party reproducing the images must not distort or mutilate the images.
  • "Cricket Cage," artist/maker unknown, Chinese, late 18th - 19th century. Ivory, gourd, 3 9/16 x 2 1/2 inches. Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John Story Jenks, 1929. Image courtesy of Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2019.
    Important: By downloading this image, you are agreeing to the following permissions: Images are provided exclusively to the press, and only for purposes of publicity for the duration of an exhibition at the PMA. The Museum grants permission to use images only to the extent of its ownership rights relating to those images--the responsibility for any additional permissions remains solely with the party reproducing the images. In addition, the images must be accompanied by the credit line and any copyright information as it appears above, and the party reproducing the images must not distort or mutilate the images.
  • "Covered Box with the Three Friends of Winter," artist/maker unknown, Chinese, Yongle Period (1403-1424). Wood with carved red lacquer decoration, 4 1/16 x 10 3/4 inches. Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Morton Jenks, 1953. Image courtesy of Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2019.
    Important: By downloading this image, you are agreeing to the following permissions: Images are provided exclusively to the press, and only for purposes of publicity for the duration of an exhibition at the PMA. The Museum grants permission to use images only to the extent of its ownership rights relating to those images--the responsibility for any additional permissions remains solely with the party reproducing the images. In addition, the images must be accompanied by the credit line and any copyright information as it appears above, and the party reproducing the images must not distort or mutilate the images.
  • "Orchids and Rocks," 1606, by Zhou Shichen, Cao Xi, and Cao Xi, Chinese, active first half of 17th century. Wanli Period (1573-1620). Ink on paper; mounted as a handscroll, 12 1/8 inches × 7 feet 3 1/4 inches. Purchased with the J. Stogdell Stokes Fund, 1968. Image courtesy of Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2019.
    Important: By downloading this image, you are agreeing to the following permissions: Images are provided exclusively to the press, and only for purposes of publicity for the duration of an exhibition at the PMA. The Museum grants permission to use images only to the extent of its ownership rights relating to those images--the responsibility for any additional permissions remains solely with the party reproducing the images. In addition, the images must be accompanied by the credit line and any copyright information as it appears above, and the party reproducing the images must not distort or mutilate the images.
  • “Snuff Bottle,” 1662–1722 (Kangxi Period, 1662–1722), made in China. Copper with enamel decoration; copper stopper; ivory spoon, 2 1/8 × 1 9/16 × 1 inches. Gift of Major General and Mrs. William Crozier, 1944. Image courtesy of Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2018.
    Important: By downloading this image, you are agreeing to the following permissions: Images are provided exclusively to the press, and only for purposes of publicity for the duration of an exhibition at the PMA. The Museum grants permission to use images only to the extent of its ownership rights relating to those images--the responsibility for any additional permissions remains solely with the party reproducing the images. In addition, the images must be accompanied by the credit line and any copyright information as it appears above, and the party reproducing the images must not distort or mutilate the images.
  • “Cup in the Form of a Half Peach,” 18th century, made in China. Unglazed stoneware (Yixing ware), 2 3/4 × 4 7/8 × 3 7/8 inches. The Dr. Francis W. Lewis Collection, 1905. Image courtesy of Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2018.
    Important: By downloading this image, you are agreeing to the following permissions: Images are provided exclusively to the press, and only for purposes of publicity for the duration of an exhibition at the PMA. The Museum grants permission to use images only to the extent of its ownership rights relating to those images--the responsibility for any additional permissions remains solely with the party reproducing the images. In addition, the images must be accompanied by the credit line and any copyright information as it appears above, and the party reproducing the images must not distort or mutilate the images.
  • "Seated Twins of Union and Harmony, Hanshan and Shide," artist/maker unknown, Chinese. Late Ming-early Qing dynasty, 17th century. Porcelain with white glaze (Dehua ware), 4 1/2 × 6 5/16 × 3 9/16 inches.Gift of Major General and Mrs. William Crozier, 1944. Image courtesy of Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2019.
    Important: By downloading this image, you are agreeing to the following permissions: Images are provided exclusively to the press, and only for purposes of publicity for the duration of an exhibition at the PMA. The Museum grants permission to use images only to the extent of its ownership rights relating to those images--the responsibility for any additional permissions remains solely with the party reproducing the images. In addition, the images must be accompanied by the credit line and any copyright information as it appears above, and the party reproducing the images must not distort or mutilate the images.
  • "Crystal Ball," 19th - early 20th century, artist/maker unknown, Chinese. Rock crystal (quartz), 8 11/16 inches, 31 pounds 8.4 ounces; silver stand, 17 3/8 inches. Gift of Major General and Mrs. William Crozier, 1944. Image courtesy of Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2021.
    Important: By downloading this image, you are agreeing to the following permissions: Images are provided exclusively to the press, and only for purposes of publicity for the duration of an exhibition at the PMA. The Museum grants permission to use images only to the extent of its ownership rights relating to those images--the responsibility for any additional permissions remains solely with the party reproducing the images. In addition, the images must be accompanied by the credit line and any copyright information as it appears above, and the party reproducing the images must not distort or mutilate the images.
  • "English-style Bookcase," c. 1798, artist/maker unknown, Chinese, for export to the American market. Qing dynasty (1644-1911). Rosewood and mahogany with lacquer and gilt decoration, 73 1/2 x 39 3/4 x 12 5/8 inches. Purchased with the Thomas Skelton Harrison Fund, 1970. Image courtesy of Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2019.
    Important: By downloading this image, you are agreeing to the following permissions: Images are provided exclusively to the press, and only for purposes of publicity for the duration of an exhibition at the PMA. The Museum grants permission to use images only to the extent of its ownership rights relating to those images--the responsibility for any additional permissions remains solely with the party reproducing the images. In addition, the images must be accompanied by the credit line and any copyright information as it appears above, and the party reproducing the images must not distort or mutilate the images.
  • "Descending from the Above," 2016, by Zheng Chongbin, (American, born China, 1961). Ink and acrylic on xuan paper; mounted on wood frame, 6 feet 2 13/16 inches × 8 feet 10 5/16 inches. © Zheng Chongbin. Purchased with funds contributed by June and Simon K.C. Li, 2017. Image courtesy of Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2019.
    Important: By downloading this image, you are agreeing to the following permissions: Images are provided exclusively to the press, and only for purposes of publicity for the duration of an exhibition at the PMA. The Museum grants permission to use images only to the extent of its ownership rights relating to those images--the responsibility for any additional permissions remains solely with the party reproducing the images. In addition, the images must be accompanied by the credit line and any copyright information as it appears above, and the party reproducing the images must not distort or mutilate the images.
  • “Insignia Badge for an Imperial Noble or Military Officer,” 1662–1722 (Kangxi Period, 1662–1722), made in China. Silk plain weave with silk and gilt thread embroidery in couching, satin, outline, and padded satin stitches, 14 3/4 x 13 3/4 inches. Purchased with the John T. Morris Fund from the Carl Schuster Collection, 1940. Image courtesy of Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2019.
    Important: By downloading this image, you are agreeing to the following permissions: Images are provided exclusively to the press, and only for purposes of publicity for the duration of an exhibition at the PMA. The Museum grants permission to use images only to the extent of its ownership rights relating to those images--the responsibility for any additional permissions remains solely with the party reproducing the images. In addition, the images must be accompanied by the credit line and any copyright information as it appears above, and the party reproducing the images must not distort or mutilate the images.
  • "Emperor's Dragon Robe (Mang Pao)," c. 1840, Daoguang Period (1821-1850). Silk slit tapestry weave (kesi), Center Back Length: 61 inches. Purchased with Museum funds, 1951. Image courtesy of Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2019.
    Important: By downloading this image, you are agreeing to the following permissions: Images are provided exclusively to the press, and only for purposes of publicity for the duration of an exhibition at the PMA. The Museum grants permission to use images only to the extent of its ownership rights relating to those images--the responsibility for any additional permissions remains solely with the party reproducing the images. In addition, the images must be accompanied by the credit line and any copyright information as it appears above, and the party reproducing the images must not distort or mutilate the images.
  • "Jar with Dragons and Shou Characters," 1522-1566, Jiajing Period (1522-1566). Porcelain with underglaze blue decoration (Jingdezhen ware). 20 1/2 x 20 1/4 inches. Gift of Major General and Mrs. William Crozier, 1944. Image courtesy of Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2019.
    Important: By downloading this image, you are agreeing to the following permissions: Images are provided exclusively to the press, and only for purposes of publicity for the duration of an exhibition at the PMA. The Museum grants permission to use images only to the extent of its ownership rights relating to those images--the responsibility for any additional permissions remains solely with the party reproducing the images. In addition, the images must be accompanied by the credit line and any copyright information as it appears above, and the party reproducing the images must not distort or mutilate the images.
  • "Ritual Disc (Bi)," c. 2250 BCE, Neolithic Period, Liangzhu Culture (c. 3400-2250 BCE). Jade (nephrite); wood stand, Diameter: 6 11/16 inches; Thickness: 3/8 inches. Gift of Major General and Mrs. William Crozier, 1944. Image courtesy of Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2019.
    Important: By downloading this image, you are agreeing to the following permissions: Images are provided exclusively to the press, and only for purposes of publicity for the duration of an exhibition at the PMA. The Museum grants permission to use images only to the extent of its ownership rights relating to those images--the responsibility for any additional permissions remains solely with the party reproducing the images. In addition, the images must be accompanied by the credit line and any copyright information as it appears above, and the party reproducing the images must not distort or mutilate the images.
  • “Dog Cage,” late 18th–19th century, made in China. Brass with cloisonné enamel and gilt decoration; jade rings, 45 1/2 x 32 x 24 3/4 inches. Gift of the Friends of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, 1964. Image courtesy of Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2018.
    Important: By downloading this image, you are agreeing to the following permissions: Images are provided exclusively to the press, and only for purposes of publicity for the duration of an exhibition at the PMA. The Museum grants permission to use images only to the extent of its ownership rights relating to those images--the responsibility for any additional permissions remains solely with the party reproducing the images. In addition, the images must be accompanied by the credit line and any copyright information as it appears above, and the party reproducing the images must not distort or mutilate the images.
  • Jacklyn Chi, Mellon Fellow in Paper Conservation, treated a watercolor painting of a seated Emperor with a court official on plith paper. This treatment involved the repairing of tears, reattachment of fragments, and filling losses in the paper. Image courtesy of Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2019. Photo by Jason Wierzbicki.
    Important: By downloading this image, you are agreeing to the following permissions: Images are provided exclusively to the press, and only for purposes of publicity for the duration of an exhibition at the PMA. The Museum grants permission to use images only to the extent of its ownership rights relating to those images--the responsibility for any additional permissions remains solely with the party reproducing the images. In addition, the images must be accompanied by the credit line and any copyright information as it appears above, and the party reproducing the images must not distort or mutilate the images.
  • Jacklyn Chi, Mellon Fellow in Paper Conservation, treated a watercolor painting of a seated Emperor with a court official on plith paper. This treatment involved the repairing of tears, reattachment of fragments, and filling losses in the paper. Image courtesy of Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2019. Photo by Jason Wierzbicki.
    Important: By downloading this image, you are agreeing to the following permissions: Images are provided exclusively to the press, and only for purposes of publicity for the duration of an exhibition at the PMA. The Museum grants permission to use images only to the extent of its ownership rights relating to those images--the responsibility for any additional permissions remains solely with the party reproducing the images. In addition, the images must be accompanied by the credit line and any copyright information as it appears above, and the party reproducing the images must not distort or mutilate the images.
  • A Conservation technician used a soft brush and controlled vacuum to clean the painted wood of the Reception Hall from the Palace of Duke Zhao, 1640s, China (Beijing). Ming dynasty, 1368–1644. Gift of Edward B. Robinette, 1929. Image courtesy of Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2019. Photo by Jason Wierzbicki.
    Important: By downloading this image, you are agreeing to the following permissions: Images are provided exclusively to the press, and only for purposes of publicity for the duration of an exhibition at the PMA. The Museum grants permission to use images only to the extent of its ownership rights relating to those images--the responsibility for any additional permissions remains solely with the party reproducing the images. In addition, the images must be accompanied by the credit line and any copyright information as it appears above, and the party reproducing the images must not distort or mutilate the images.
  • Peggy Olley, Associate Conservator of Furniture and Woodwork, treated a pair of wardrobes made from 1700–1800, China. Qing dynasty, 1644–1911. Lacquered wood with incised, painted, and gilt decoration; brass fittings. Gifts of A. W. Bahr, 1939. Image courtesy of Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2019. Photo by Jason Wierzbicki.
    Important: By downloading this image, you are agreeing to the following permissions: Images are provided exclusively to the press, and only for purposes of publicity for the duration of an exhibition at the PMA. The Museum grants permission to use images only to the extent of its ownership rights relating to those images--the responsibility for any additional permissions remains solely with the party reproducing the images. In addition, the images must be accompanied by the credit line and any copyright information as it appears above, and the party reproducing the images must not distort or mutilate the images.
29
January
2019
|
16:00 PM
America/New_York

Philadelphia Museum of Art to Reopen its Renovated and Reinstalled Chinese Galleries in February

Re-opening: Sunday, February 3, 2019
Press Preview: January 31, 2019, 9:00 a.m. − 12:00 p.m.

On February 3, 2019, the Philadelphia Museum of Art will open to the public its new galleries of Chinese art following a comprehensive ten-month, $2 million renovation and reinstallation project. The first in more than 40 years for this renowned collection, it represents the next step in an ongoing series of reinstallations that began with the Rodin Museum in 2012 and continued with the renovation of the galleries of South Asian art in 2016. The museum’s rich holdings of Chinese art span more than 4,000 years of artistic achievement, and this new presentation brings it to life in fresh and revealing ways. Opening with a family festival celebrating the Lunar New Year—the Year of the Pig—it benefits from a multi-year study of interpretation strategies, including the development of new learning resources, workshops for training teachers, and tours for schoolchildren.

Among the improvements are new gallery furniture and the creation of far better sight lines through the sequence of galleries. Antiquated lighting has been replaced with flexible energy-efficient LED lighting, while new purpose-built display cases, some equipped with internal lighting that dramatically improve viewing clarity, provide exceptional flexibility for display. Honey-toned oak flooring has replaced painted concrete, adding warmth to the installation throughout. Overall the changes will give curators the opportunity to regularly refresh the installations and to offer returning visitors new works to experience over time. Many of the works on display have been sensitively treated by the museum’s teams of highly skilled specialists in the department of Conservation.

Timothy Rub, the George D. Widener Director and Chief Executive Officer, said: “This once-in-a-generation project will transform the experience of one of the most important parts of our collection. It will foster a greater appreciation of Chinese culture and underscore the relevance of these works to China today. Because this project is proceeding in tandem with many other ambitious changes occurring during the implementation of our Facilities Master Plan, visitors will find many surprises awaiting them whenever they visit the museum in the months ahead.”

Reinstallation

The project is led by Hiromi Kinoshita, The Hannah L. and J. Welles Henderson Associate Curator of Chinese Art. Her reinstallation embraces Chinese art in all media, including paintings, sculpture, porcelains, ceramics, carvings, metalwork, costume and textiles, furniture, and contemporary works of art. The museum has used historical graphics in key wall locations to provide a richer context for the collection and to create an experience that is evocative of both time and place. While some of the windows in these galleries have been enclosed to allow for the display of light-sensitive textiles and paintings, in other places they have been revealed to offer views to the museum’s East Terrace and its monumental portico.

The first two galleries, dedicated to The Afterlife: Tombs and Immortality, highlight the collection’s strength in Chinese funerary art of the Han (206 BCE – 220 CE) to Tang (618–907) dynasties and explore ideas of afterlife and reverence for ancestors. The installation illuminates the belief that the human spirit continued following death, including works that reveal the purpose of tombs as underground dwellings furnished with objects for protection, nourishment, and entertainment. Among the highlights is a set of sarcophagus panels that have not been on view in many decades. Of a type seldom found in collections outside of China, they convey aspects of everyday life of the elite of more a thousand years ago. Other works made for the tomb show how the interchange of ideas, religion, and trade along the Silk Road influenced Chinese culture and art of 8th-century China. Buddhism, which arrived from India through the Silk Road, also shaped Chinese ideas of life after death as seen in works made for temples and tombs.

The next gallery, entitled Looking Inwards: Nature and Self-Cultivation, focuses on works that were made, used, or collected by Chinese scholars and artists, from the Song Dynasty (960-1279 CE) onwards. These reflect artistic traditions and practices that were informed by ideas of the human relationship to the cosmos and the pursuit of harmony with the natural world. Works inspired by nature from the Song dynasty (960–1279) onwards will also be displayed in this gallery. Flowers often symbolized human virtues—the painted orchid representing purity, resilience, and loyalty—or could be used to denote the seasons. Natural materials were especially appreciated for their simple beauty: a seemingly plain wooden box is made up of slender strips of wood veneer. Jade was appreciated for its smoothness, solidity, and translucency, the embodiment of virtues considered to be gentlemanly, and offered qualities of simplicity and modesty. Artistic activities such as painting, tea and wine-drinking, and viewing antiques were carried out in nature and gardens in the pursuit of higher ideals.

A gallery focused on the 16th century to the present explores the theme of Looking Outwards: China and the West. It encourages visitors to understand the abiding interest of the West in Chinese art and highlights the evolution of the export market, which created a frenzy for collecting porcelain in Europe. The ceramics on display illustrate how certain aspects of Chinese porcelain—such as “blue-and-white”—inspired European artisans. At the same time, the Chinese adopted European techniques and materials, including enameling, glass-making and engraving, representing a remarkable example of cultural exchange.

Another gallery is dedicated to Ordering the Universe: The Imperial Court. Featuring works collected and used by the court, it emphasizes the highly symbolic nature of Chinese art, with designs and colors conveying rank, authority, and prestige. Auspicious motifs found in silk robes, porcelain, and other art suggest the formal side of court life (ruling) in contrast with the informal, private side.

Architectural Interiors

This new presentation of the collection makes direct interpretive connections to the museum’s three celebrated Chinese architectural interiors in adjacent galleries, all from Beijing and newly reinstalled. The 17th century Palace Reception Hall is resplendent with imperial-related themed works and with auspicious messages, all complementing the motifs of luck and good fortune that decorate the room’s imposing wooden beams high overhead. Once part of an official residence, the Reception Hall has been equipped with new lighting, revealing the remarkable, colorful painted decoration adorning the structure. Many of the works in this gallery are richly spotlighted, including a spectacular dog cage, fully decorated in cloisonné enamel, which likely would have been made for a Pekingese, a favored pet among ladies of the Qing court.

The 18th century Scholar’s Study, serene and contemplative, features implements associated with the life and activities of a scholar-official. The Ceiling from the Hall of Wisdom Transformed from the

Zhihuasi Temple, an early Ming Dynasty Buddhist monastery in Beijing, contains an elaborately carved 15th-century temple ceiling, from one of the earliest and best-preserved examples of Chinese monastic architecture. A recently developed digital interactive greatly enhances the opportunity for visitors to understand more fully the imagery and iconography of this remarkable ceiling, and rotating displays from the museum’s rich collection of over 600 textile sutra covers are planned for this space.

Dr. Kinoshita stated: “Updating these galleries will have a significant impact on our visitors’ experience of this part of our collection. We hope that the more visually engaging displays and new thematic arrangements will enable them to connect with the works, whatever their interests. It is a pleasure also to introduce works held in other departments—for example, Costume and Textiles, Print, Drawings and Photography, and Contemporary Art—and to integrate them with the collections for which I am responsible, to show the breadth and richness of the art of China.”

Publication

Coinciding with the reopening of its galleries of Chinese art, the museum has published Art of China: Highlights from the Philadelphia Museum of Art, in association with Yale University Press (256 pp.) This lavishly illustrated book features nearly one hundred highlights ranging from antiquity to the present day. It includes an introductory essay by Dr. Kinoshita about the collection’s formation, illuminating its unique character and importance. The volume ($45) is now available for purchase in the Museum Store or online via philamuseum.org.

Paper over board
256 pages
9 x 11 inches
Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2018
ISBN-10: 0300237103
ISBN-13: 978-0300237108

Support

The reinstallation of the museum’s galleries of Chinese Art was made possible by the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation Hannah L. Henderson, Marguerite Lenfest, Maxine de S. Lewis, June and Simon K.C. Li, Joan F. Thalheimer, Andrea Baldeck, M.D., Sueyun and Gene Locks, Peter A. Benoliel and Willo Carey, Barbara B. and Theodore R. Aronson, The Women’s Committee of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Cynthia L. Johnson, Frank S. Bayley, Suzanne F. Boda and George W. Grindahl, Dr. Alan M. and Deena Gu Laties, Peggy Wachs, two anonymous donors, and other generous donors.

About the Collection of Chinese Art

The Philadelphia Museum of Art houses one of the country’s earliest Chinese art collections, initially established through purchases made at the Centennial International Exhibition held in Philadelphia in 1876. Today it includes more than 7000 works in a wide range of media spanning more than 4000 years. Strengths include Tang dynasty (618–907) tomb figures, Song dynasty (960–1127) ceramics as well as Ming (1368–1644) and Qing dynasty (1644–1911) imperial art and Buddhist sculpture. The collection includes more than 500 paintings, dating from the 12th to the 20th centuries, as well as costumes and textiles, furniture, jades, lacquer wares, and cloisonné. It also features three remarkable architectural interiors: an early 15th century coffered ceiling from an imperial Buddhist temple, a 17th century painted wood reception hall, and an 18th century scholar’s study that provide context for the collection and an exceptional immersive experience.

Related Programs

Family Festival: Lunar New Year
Sunday, February 3, 2019
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Great Stair Hall Balcony
Free after Pay What You Wish admission

Squeal with delight as we ring in the Year of the Pig.

  • Balcony Studio
    10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
    Create a lunar calendar with teaching artist Ash Limés Castellana, known for her prints inspired by the moon.
  • Mini-Tours
    11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
    (Tours depart at the top of the hour)
  • Dance Performances
    11:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.
    Enjoy performances inspired by ancient Chinese legends from the Nai-Ni Chen dance company.

Final Fridays: Celestial Bodies
Friday, February 22, 2019
5:00 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.
Free after admission

Explore the cosmos with telescopes from the Franklin Institute, and enjoy astrology and astronomy-inspired workshops with Alice Sparkly Kat, as well as performances by the Kun-Yang Lin Dancers. Presented in conjunction with the reopening of the Chinese Galleries

Museum Studio: Pop-Up Cards
Wednesday, February 27, 2019
6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Meet in Great Stair HallPaid tickets required

$40 ($32 members); includes Museum admission

Search for auspicious symbols in our new Chinese galleries and then make your own pop-up cards with artist Colette Fu.

 

Social Media @philamuseum

       

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