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Category Archives: Art
The Power of Illustration: Southeast Asian Manuscripts at the British Library
The manuscript has long had a special place in the diverse cultures of Southeast Asia. The British Library’s collection includes a whole range of manuscripts from the region, including examples from Burma, Thailand, Cambodia, Lao, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. In … Continue reading
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A Soldier’s Tale: Time Heals All Wounds?
A Forgotten War Upon entering ‘A Soldier’s Tale’ at Asia House, an exhibition documenting the experience of British soldiers who fought in the Korean War, you are greeted by Jiho Won’s towering ‘Construction for Deconstruction’. The sculpture is reminiscent of … Continue reading
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Samurai Ceramics: Japanese Nabeshima Wares at the Oriental Ceramic Society
Last Tuesday members of the Oriental Ceramic Society gathered at the Royal Academy in London for the Annual General Meeting. Founded in 1921, members of the society represent some of the cream of the Asian art world and include collectors, … Continue reading
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Painting for the Emperor: Giuseppe Castiglione
Mention the name Giuseppe Castiglione in the artist’s native Italy and you’ll be met with blank looks, yet Castiglione is one of the most famous painters in the world. Born in 1688 into a Milanese family, Castiglione was a Jesuit … Continue reading
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V&A Object of the Week … the Laughing Child
‘The Virgin and Laughing Child’ is one of my favourite Renaissance pieces at the V&A. It was made in 15th century Italy, possibly as a maquette for a larger statue or as a stand-alone devotional statue for a house. The … Continue reading
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Pre-Roman Bronze Figurine at the Dorset County Museum
Sometimes the smallest finds can be the most beautiful. This tiny figurine, about the size of one of my fingers, was found in Dorset and is on display at the Dorset County Museum. This little find is a further example … Continue reading
Posted in Art, Art History, Culture, Dorset Archaeology, History, Museums
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Song Ceramics: Still taking the world by storm
When first exhibited in the UK in the early 20th century, Song dynasty ceramics caused a sensation in artistic circles and sparked a revolution in studio ceramics. With their delicate glazes and pure forms, Song wares lay in stark contrast … Continue reading
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Dorset Archaeological Masterpieces … Iron Age Sculpture
These mysterious stone faces, larger than a human head, were carved some time before 43 CE by members of the Durotriges tribe. The Durotriges were an Iron Age tribal confederation; their territory spanned across the southern English counties of Dorset, … Continue reading
Posted in Art, Art History, Dorset Archaeology, History, Museums, Out and About
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Dining with the Dead: Have you eaten yet?
Those familiar with China will recognise the every-day greeting “你吃饭了吗？” – have you eaten yet? Food is a central aspect of Chinese culture, bringing families, friends and communities together and this “obsession with food” has deep historical roots. The majority … Continue reading
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The Face of Serenity … South East Asian Buddhist Art at the V&A
For more information on Buddhist Sculpture at the V&A visit: http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/articles/b/buddhist-sculpture-v-and-a/ (Photographs my own)
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Art, History and Asia, by Partial, Prejudiced and Ignorant Historian 