Resources

View this work in its entirety during Out of Character: Decoding Chinese Calligraphy (at the Asian Art Museum from October 5, 2012–January 13, 2013). The Character of Characters, 2012, by Xu Bing (Chinese, born 1955). Five-channel video animation installation. Acquisition made possible by The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation, R2012.54.

Ewer with lid, approx. 1050-1125. Goryeo dynasty (918-1392). Stoneware with blue-green (celadon) glaze. The Avery Brundage Collection, B60P123+.

Asian Art Museum Curator, Joseph Chang, reads an excerpt from Eight Poems on Yellow Ridge in semicursive and cursive script, Xong Tingbi (1596–1625). Translation: It’s been called “Lotus Terrace” now for years innumerable; And round the terrace, fields upon fields of lotus leaves are seen. The slightest breeze wafts floating fragrance from the other shore, While setting sunlight in clear waters plays with emerald green. —Lotus Blossom Terrace. This work was on view at the Asian Art Museum as part of the exhibition, Out of Character: Decoding Chinese Calligraphy (from October 5, 2012–January 13, 2013).

Asian Art Museum Docent, Linda Lei, gives a talk to teachers on the symbols associated with Chinese Lunar New Year at the Asian Art Museum on May 15, 2014.

Master Chinese calligrapher Cai Xingyi writes the poem Ascending the Heron Tower by Poet Wang Zhihuan (688-742) in cursive script. See more in the exhibition, Out of Character: Decoding Chinese Calligraphy (on view at the Asian Art Museum from Oct. 5, 2012–Jan. 13, 2013).

Seated Buddha, 200–300. Pakistan; perhaps Jamalgarhi, Peshawar valley, ancient region of Gandhara. Schist. The Avery Brundage Collection, B60S393.

Rituals and traditions of the Chinese Lunar New Year.

Haniwa in the form of a warrior, approx. 300–552. Japan; excavated at Fujioka, Gunma Prefecture. Kofun period (300–552). Earthenware. The Avery Brundage Collection, B60S204.

The Buddha triumphing over Mara, 900–1000. India; probably Kurkihar, Bihar state. Stone. The Avery Brundage Collection, B60S598.