This exhibit traces Chinese pottery from its humble, utilitarian beginnings to its culmination as an elite art form. Early specimens reveal ancient social structure, with Han Dynasty漢朝 (206 BCE-220 CE) roof tile ends that record the status of their owners in ancient wadang瓦當script. Grave goods intended for use in the afterlife, like a Han Dynasty miniature house and Song Dynasty宋朝 (960-1279 CE) funerary jars, shed light on daily life and death in a bygone era. Sculptures of horses and carriages capture the dominance of the equestrian Mongol culture during the Yuan Dynasty 元朝 (1279-1368 CE). And porcelain vessels illustrate the expertise of Ming Dynasty 明朝 (1368-1644 CE) craftsmen who increased firing temperatures and used white kaolin clay to create fine china that was coveted worldwide. Kevin Stewart donated most of this marvelous collection. The County of San Diego Community Projects Program, with the support of Supervisor Ron Roberts, provided the funding for the purchase of several additional pieces. A generous grant from the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation made the research and production of this exhibition possible.
The exhibit opening will be held in the extension building at 328 J Street on Saturday, November 21st, 2:00 to 4:00 PM. Refreshments will be served at the reception held in the Chinese garden at 404 Third Avenue. Admission is $2 and free for members and children under 12.
The San Diego Chinese Historical Museum is located at 404 Third Avenue in downtown San Diego. For more information, please contact the museum, or call 619-338-9888.