Panel with Dragon (detail), China, Qinq Dynasty (1644-1911), circa late nineteenth century – early twentieth century, silk thread tapestry (kesi), 67 x 20 inches, Lora Robins Gallery of Design from Nature, University of Richmond Museums, Gift in memory of David June Carver, Jr. (1916-1948), R1960.01.75
Stitching Culture: Chinese Textiles from the Carver Collection
University of Richmond Museums
Lora Robins Gallery of Design from Nature
February 8 through December 9, 2018
Stitching Culture: Chinese Textiles from the Carver Collection on view February 8 through December 9, 2018, in the Lora Robins Gallery of Design from Nature, features Chinese textiles from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), circa late nineteenth century to early twentieth century, and includes a range of silk objects: robes, rank badges, clothing, panels, and children’s apparel. The textiles are adorned with many symbols and were selected to highlight the diversity of imagery found in Chinese works of art. Real and mythical animals — such as dragons, phoenixes, bats, butterflies, and three-legged frogs — as well as plants, written characters, and auspicious Buddhist symbols form an intrinsic part of Chinese culture.
Recently discovered in storage in Sarah Brunet Hall during campus renovations and construction, the works in the exhibition have been chosen from a gift made in 1960 of more than sixty textiles from Dr. and Mrs. David J. Carver in memory of their son David June Carver, Jr. (1916-1948). The textiles have joined their gift of Chinese ceramics to comprise the Carver Collection in the permanent collection of the Lora Robins Gallery, University Museums.
Student co-curator of the exhibition Marcin Jerzewski, ’18, states about his research: “Textiles hold a very special place in Chinese cultural history. The lucrative trade in silk and high-quality cloth along the Silk Road facilitated cultural exchange between the peoples of Europe and Asia. Nowadays, the luxurious and sought-after Chinese silks still constitute an important component and a symbol of cultural diffusion. The rich history and symbolism of Chinese textiles allows us to learn more about traditional Chinese rites, customs, superstitions, and even intricacies of Sinitic languages.”
Organized by the University of Richmond Museums and curated by Richard Waller, Executive Director, University Museums, and Marcin Jerzewski, ’18, Chinese studies and political science double major, and 2017-18 Curatorial Assistant, University Museums.
Programming
Sunday, February 11, 2 to 3 p.m.
Curator’s Talk, Lora Robins Gallery of Design from Nature
“Dragons, Auspicious Bats, and Other Symbols in Chinese Textiles”
Marcin Jerzewski, ’18, Chinese studies and political science double major,University of Richmond, 2017-2018 curatorial assistant, University Museums,and co-curator of the exhibition
Tea Reception follows the talk
The event is part of the Annual ChinaFest, for details visit theROSEgroup.org
