If the Sky Could Dream
February 9th, 2024 & Additional Performances/Workshops
Join the Heritage Museum of Asian Art's Artist in Residence Irene Hsiao to experience her new interactive and performance series. If The Sky Could Dream focuses on the Chinese dragon as a powerful being that fosters harmony. Representing the Chinese Dragon as a water deity, the installation series will feature images and projects of weather and local bodies of water in Chicago.
YEAR OF THE DRAGON: Early China to LEGO
February 10th 2024- June 17th 2024
The dragon has captivated the Asian continent for thousands of years. Once revered as the bearer of rain, the dragon has been held in high esteem by commoners and nobility alike. In China, the dragon was an imperial image that was reserved for the emperor. A symbol of strength and power, the emperor was at one time referred to as “The Dragon.” Similarly, the dragon was the emblem of the kings of the Joseon Dynasty in Korea. While it has remained a symbol of power, its significance has evolved over time.
This exhibition explores the representation of the dragon over the span of a millenia and three Asian countries. It demonstrates how the form and function of dragon imagery has drastically evolved over the centuries. An imperial dragon robe is juxtaposed with a 20th century dragon belt buckle, a Qing Dynasty imperial throne cover with a LEGO dragon.
Although the dragon is no longer revered as a bringer of rain or associated with imperial authority, the image of the dragon still evokes the same sense of power and mysticism that established it as a multi-cultural wonder thousands of years ago.
Carved Chalcedony Agate Snuff Bottles
With much appreciation to our donor Bill Burd, our latest display features a collection of snuff bottles depicting various images of man, immortals, flora, and fauna, giving the illusion of painted designs through the expert manipulation of the mineral’s different colored surface layers.
Although the fall of the Qing dynasty marked the gradual decline of snuff bottle usage and production, these miniature artifacts continue to represent the beauty of traditional Chinese art in a historical context.
Dragons Revisited: In Memory of Charles Kinsey
"Dragons Revisited" shines a light on magnificent East Asian treasures that represent the famed mythological creature, the dragon; featured pieces include robes and porcelain from the Qing dynasty as well as bronzes and iron sculptures from Japan. It is a great honor to once again showcase this concept in our galleries after our inaugural dragon-themed exhibition in 2017, this time in memory of our dearly departed friend, Charles Kinsey.
The Conley Collection: Chinese Art from Han and Beyond
Heritage Museum of Asian Art is pleased to announce the generous long-term loan of Chinese art from James E. Conley Jr. As a lifelong admirer of the arts, Mr. Conley has amassed a wonderful collection, most notably, a large amount of Han and Tang dynasty funerary sculptures. Archaic bronzes as well as Ming dynasty sculpture round out the collection, offering visitors a marvelous survey of Chinese art.
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Museum of Asian Art
HERITAGE
亞洲傳統藝術博物館
Heritage Museum of Asian Art is a non-profit organization with IRS 501 (c) (3) tax exempt status.
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3500 S Morgan St, Chicago, IL 60609
312-842-8884
Workshops