Introduction
Magnificent artworks fit for (and made by) kings make their
North American debut at the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco
SAN FRANCISCO, June 17, 2016 — The Asian Art Museum of San Francisco and the National Palace Museum, Taipei, are thrilled to welcome visitors today to the opening of Emperors’ Treasures: Chinese Art from the National Palace Museum, Taipei, a special exhibition on view now at the Asian Art Museum.
This years-in-the-making exhibition presents nearly 150 imperial masterworks from across eight centuries and four dynasties, many of which are making their North American debut. Visitors will discover a trove of exquisite paintings, ceramics, jades and more from one of the world’s greatest collections of Chinese art. Emperors' Treasures is the latest partnership between the two museums and is the centerpiece of the Asian Art Museum’s 50th anniversary year.
On view June 17–Sept. 18, 2016, Emperors' Treasures offers audiences a chance to behold the prized possessions of eight emperors and an empress, passed from dynasty to dynasty and once sheltered in Beijing’s Forbidden City. A glimpse into the artistic life inside an imperial palace, the exhibition showcases how family collections were refined over generations, showcasing rare pieces created by emperors themselves in private moments of inspiration.
"This is the absolute 'best of the best’ of Chinese imperial art," says Jay Xu, director of the Asian Art Museum. “By exploring how artistic taste was cultivated and evaluated — which created standards of beauty and elegance across Chinese culture — the exhibition reflects the museum’s mission of connecting audiences today with the great arts and traditions of Asia
Imperial treat, the "Meat-shaped stone" stars in sumptuous summer programs
An icon of the National Palace Museum, Taipei, the celebrated Qing-dynasty "Meat-shaped stone” will also be traveling to the U.S. for the first time. The stone — a hunk of jasper carved and dyed to resemble a portion of braised pork belly — exemplifies how the enduring appeal of traditional Chinese cooking has long inspired devotion.
Additionally, from June 17–July 18, more than a dozen San Francisco restaurants, both up-and-coming and established, will feature versions of the mouthwatering, slow-simmered “priceless pork belly" in their restaurants. Details on participating hotspots are available online now at: www.asianart.org/pork
"Emperors' Treasures is about looking forward and starting the museum’s next 50 years on the right note," says Xu. "Like our exhibition partner, the National Palace Museum, Taipei, we not only share and present exceptional works of art, but we help people understand their context, significance and relevance."
EXHIBITION ORGANIZATION
Emperors’ Treasures: Chinese Art from the National Palace Museum, Taipei, is co-organized by the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco and the National Palace Museum, Taipei. Presentation is made possible with the generous support of The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation, Henry Luce Foundation, Doris Shoong Lee and Theodore Bo Lee, Robert and Vivian Tsao, Diane B. Wilsey, The Akiko Yamazaki and Jerry Yang Fund for Excellence in Exhibitions and Presentations, East West Bank, United Airlines, Alphawood Foundation, E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation, BizLink Technology, Inc., Jamie and Steve Chen, Lee Chen, Christie's, C.M. Capital Corporation, Fred Eychaner, Winnie and Michael Feng, Doug Tilden and Teresa Keller Tilden, Taiwan Tourism Bureau, The American Friends of the Shanghai Museum, Julia K. Cheng, Cheng & Tsui Company, Fred M. Levin and Nancy Livingston, The Shenson Foundation, H. Christopher Luce and Tina Liu, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, R.O.C., Mary M. Tanenbaum Fund, Walter and Shirley Wang, Rita and Ricky Wong, Laurie Jue Ying and David Y. Ying, and anonymous donors. This exhibition is supported by an indemnity from the Federal Council on the Art and the Humanities. Media sponsors: ABC7, KQED, Sing Tao Daily, World Journal, Sina.
The exhibition is curated by Asian Art Museum Director Jay Xu and Li He, associate curator of Chinese art.
Following the Asian Art Museum’s presentation of Emperors’ Treasures, the exhibition will travel to the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (Oct. 23, 2016–Jan. 22, 2017).
EXHIBITION PUBLICATION
A catalogue accompanies Emperors’ Treasures: Chinese Art from the National Palace Museum, Taipei, edited by Jay Xu and He Li and featuring contributions by Jay Xu, Fung Ming-chu, Ho Chuan-hsin, Alfreda Murck, Tianlong Jiao, He Li and curators from the National Palace Museum, Taipei, and the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco (272 pages, paperback $35.00, hard cover $50.00). Available at the Asian Art Museum store: 415.591.3600, shop@asianart.org or store.asianart.org.
The Emperors’ Treasures exhibition catalogue is made possible with the generous support of Bei Shan Tang Foundation, C.M. Capital Corporation, Winnie and Michael Feng, Julia K. Cheng, Doris and Ted Lee, and Ann Tanenbaum in honor of her mother Mary M. Tanenbaum.
ABOUT THE ASIAN ART MUSEUM
The Asian Art Museum–Chong-Moon Lee Center for Asian Art and Culture is one of San Francisco's premier arts institutions and home to a world-renowned collection of more than 18,000 Asian art treasures spanning 6,000 years of history. Through rich art experiences, centered on historic and contemporary artworks, the Asian Art Museum unlocks the past for visitors, bringing it to life while serving as a catalyst for new art, new creativity and new thinking.
- Information: 415.581.3500 or www.asianart.org
- Location: 200 Larkin Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
- Hours: The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 10 AM to 5 PM. Hours are extended on Thursdays until 9 PM through Oct. 8. Closed Mondays, as well as New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
- Special Exhibition Admission: FREE for museum members and children (12 & under).
On weekdays, $20 for adults and $15 for seniors (65 & over), youth (13–17) and college students (with ID).
On weekends, $25 for adults and $20 for seniors (65 & over), youth (13–17) and college students (with ID). On Target First Free Sundays, admission to the exhibition is $10. Children under 12 free.
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