Cultural community

By Liao Fangzhou Source:Global Times Published: 2016-5-24 18:43:03

Exhibition honors craftsmanship of China and neighbors


Paintings, calligraphy, ceramics and a lot more. The annual China-Japan-South Korea Arts Exhibition, now in its sixth year, brings more than 110 artworks from some 70 contemporary artists from the countries on display at the Shanghai Art Collection Museum.

The Chinese art features sculptures made from stone, wood and ivory, including a large, flat stone (pictured below) on which Chen Hailong engraved illustrations of ancient household legends.

The work from Japan brings pottery, gold artifacts and dyed art from the historical city of Kyoto and Kanazawa, a noted home of craftworks based on Samurai culture that earned a place as a UNESCO City of Crafts & Folk Art.

One of the must-sees is a dyed artwork featuring the goddess Kuan Yin, which is said to replicate a particular royal Japanese dying technique that had gone extinct for over 1,200 years.

South Korea offers pottery, polished lacquer, paper-cutting and folk painting from the country's art hub North Jeolla Province. Interesting exhibits include a series of gorgeous, stylized clothing made from Korean paper.

Perseverance and concentration

Themed "Perseverance, Mind," the show promotes the spirit of concentration and facilitates mutual learning and improvement, said Chu Xiaobo, deputy director of Shanghai Municipal Culture, Radio Broadcasting, Film and Television Administration.

He pointed out at the opening that the three countries embarked on cultural exchanges as early as the Han (206BC-AD220 ) and Tang (618-907) dynasties.

"In modern times, the interaction between the three countries plays a special role in enhancing friendship and mutual trust among the people," Chu said.

A heavyweight

The most important artist at the exhibition is Toyasai Ohi, from the prestigious pottery-making Ohi family. He is the 10th Chozaemon Ohi, the family's eldest son of its 10th generation.

"Thinking about the history, culture such as the five elements of yin and yang and Taoism was brought to Japan from the Chinese mainland through the Korean Peninsula and the sea. When accepting all these, Japan is spreading its own unique Shinto, Buddhist and Zen teachings … both Ishikawa and Kanazawa have geniuses and highly valued young artists who come together to create new wonderful crafts," Toyasai Ohi said.

His son Toshio Ohi, who takes the name of the 11th Chozaemon Ohi, is also presented at the exhibition with a pottery work called Respect, a ware used during sacrifices.

It is roughly in the shape of an upside-down triangle, with a lid on the middle of the top surface. Hues of yellow and green mingle.

Chinese inspiration

Toshio Ohi told the Global Times that he got the inspiration for this piece when traveling on a mountain in Yunnan Province.

"I stood on the top of the beautiful mountain under the blue sky, and I looked over the view. I thought a god must be hiding there. Maybe in our DNA, we have something when we go to the mountains, not necessarily religious, but passion for the spirit. I want to create something out of that feeling," he explained.

He took a picture of the vista with his mobile phone, and went back to his studio to revive that impression with clay.

The artist said the work is functional, but he does not want to define how it ought to be used. His other China-inspired works derive from regions including Tibet.

(From top) The annual China-Japan-South Korea Arts Exhibition brings over 110 artworks from some 70 contemporary artists from the countries. Photos: Courtesy of Shanghai Art Collection Museum

Consular support

Kazuyuki Katayama, consul general of Japan in Shanghai, said the annual exhibition is significant because each edition recalls the history of "frequent and intimate" exchange among the three countries, and deepens their mutual understanding.

"I sincerely hope that more and more friends in Shanghai and the rest of China will be able to see the arts of the three countries, and the art exchange among them will be further promoted," Katayama said.

Han Suk-hee, the consul general of the Republic of Korea in Shanghai, said the exhibitions allow the countries to continue learning from each other's traditions and cultures, and develop a sense of cultural community. The exhibition also marks the 40th International Museum Day.

Date: Until August 14, 10 am to 5 pm; 10 am to 7:30 pm

Venue: Shanghai Art Collection Museum (before June 15); Takashimaya

Address: 1731 Yan'an Road West, inside Tianshan Park 延安西路1731号天山公园内; 1438 Hongqiao Road 虹桥路1438号

Admission: Free

Call 5206-9172 and 2223-2688 for details



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