China

Calligrapher Cai Xingyi writes an excerpt from the Thousand-Character Classic in semicursive script. The Thousand-Character Classic in clerical script, written by calligrapher Wen Peng (1498–1573) will be on view at the Asian Art Museum during the exhibition, Out of Character: Decoding Chinese Calligraphy (October 5, 2012–January 13, 2013).

Explore this interactive map.

Trace the spread of Buddhism through close looking at Buddhist objects from different regions. Explore how artifacts reveal distinct local traditions as well as common ideas and motifs.

The qipao is a stylish, sophisticated form-fitting dress that emerged in 1920s Shanghai. Meet Jane Zhu: she’s studied qipao patternmaking and construction from master tailors. Celebrated in Shanghai and New York for her contemporary, made-to-order luxury qipao, Zhu’s been featured in Vogue, Elle China, Harper’s Bazaar China, Newsweek, and more. She will share her qipao designs and give a talk on the history and craftsmanship of these iconic, versatile dresses.

Explore this interactive map. Zoom-in on high resolution details and discover English translations of the classical Chinese text and synopsis by scholars.Explore this interactive map.

Learn more about hidden meanings in Chinese art from Asian Art Museum docent, Linda Lei. This talk was given to teachers from the Chinese American International School (CAIS) for their professional development day at the Asian Art Museum on August 23, 2011.

The First Emperor of China (Qin Shihuang) famously consumed mercury because it was thought to preserve his youth. The search for eternal youth leads us to myriad modern-day creams, balms, tonics, lifts, and tucks–but can they really help us age gracefully? Join Bay Area Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner Amy Petrarca, MS, RN, Lac. in an exploration of the fundamentals of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

With Amy Petrarca, MS, RN, L.Ac, Dipl. OM explores elixirs and ancient medicines in a talk at the Asian Art Museum.

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.

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).