Makino Kōmin, Accessory Box with Hydrangea, 1930s, gold, silver and colored lacquer on wood with shell inlays, 8 x 12½ x 7½ in. (20.5 x 32 x 19.3 cm)

Golden Treasures: Japanese Gold Lacquer Boxes
Closing Friday, December 20, 2024
9 East 63rd St, NYC

There’s still time to view Thomsen Gallery’s annual exhibition of Japanese gold lacquer masterpieces dating from the early 18th century to the present. This year’s collection highlights exquisite lacquer works from the modern era (1910s–1950s), including a stunning screen that was published and exhibited at the annual national art exhibition of 1952.

Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the artistry and enduring allure of these timeless creations before the exhibition closes!

To learn more, click here.

Installation view, KOGEI and Art

KOGEI and Art
Closing Friday, December 20, 2024
16 E 79th Street, NYC

This is the last week to experience KOGEI and Art at Onishi Gallery before the exhibition closes on December 20!

“KOGEI” refers to works made using materials and methods that have stood the test of time, reflecting uncompromising dedication to technical perfection and a search for new forms of expression.  Featuring work by six leading artists working in a range of traditional media: David Stanley Hewett (b.1967), Konno Tomoko (b.1967), Noguchi Ken (b. 1982), Onihira Keiji (b. 1973), Rusu Aki (b. 1976), and Tanaka Terukazu (b. 1945), this winter exhibition highlights the growing role of KOGEI in contemporary Western lifestyle and global art and design.

Be sure to visit and immerse yourself in the timeless beauty and artistry of KOGEI today!

To learn more, click here.

Utagawa Hiroshige (1797–1858), The Village of Yase (Yase no sato 八瀬之里), from the series “Famous Views of Kyoto” (Kyōto meisho no uchi 京都名所之内) (detail), ca. 1834 [Tenpō 5], woodblock print (ōban yoko-e format), ink and color on paper, 8 7/16 x 13 3/16 in. (21.5 x 33.5 cm), mat: 14 3/16 x 19 5/8 in. (36.1 x 49.9 cm); Courtesy Princeton University Art Museum

New Horizons for Japanese Art at the Princeton University Art Museum
December 17, 2024 at 5pm EST
Zoom Webinar

JASA is pleased to present New Horizons for Japanese Art at the Princeton University Art Museum, a live Zoom webinar for their annual holiday program for JASA members.

Reopening in fall 2025 after a multi-year closure, the new Princeton University Art Museum will feature a suite of galleries devoted to the display of Asian Art. As guest speaker Dr. Kit Brooks notes, “The new Museum—double the size of its previous incarnation—will include over 60,000 square feet of gallery space. One of the seven ‘pavilions’ will be devoted to Asian Art, drawing from a collection well known for its Chinese paintings and calligraphy. The Japanese collection has been growing since the establishment of the Museum in the 1880s, ranging from Neolithic to contemporary, and includes sculpture, paintings, prints, and ceramics.”

Dr. Brooks is Curator of Asian Art at the Princeton University Art Museum. Earning their PhD from Harvard University (2017), they previously held positions at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art and the British Museum. Their recent projects include the exhibitions Staging the Supernatural: Ghosts and the Theater in Japanese Prints (2024) and Ay-Ō’s Happy Rainbow Hell (2023), the first U.S. museum exhibition dedicated to the psychedelic Japanese Fluxus artist Ay-Ō (b. 1931).

To learn more and register, click here.

Kawase Hasui, Fuji River (Fujikawa), 1933, obaiban yoko-e 15 1/8 x 21 1/2 in. (38.4 by 54.5 cm), Courtesy Scholten Japanese Art

We are delighted to announce the all-star roster for our highly anticipated Asia Week New York 2025 edition! Featuring twenty-seven renowned international galleries and six powerhouse auction houses–Bonhams, Christie’s, Doyle, Freeman’s|Hindman, Heritage Auctions, and Sotheby’s–this vibrant celebration of Asian art and culture, will run from March 13th through March 21st.

Heading into our 16th year, Asia Week New York continues to be the ultimate destination for collectors, curators and art enthusiasts from around the globe. This year, returning to the fold are the New York dealers Carole Davenport and SEIZAN Gallery New York, both Japanese specialists, while Lark Mason Associates will mount a special exhibition of Asian art.

“We always look forward to welcoming the many collectors, curators and art aficionados who have enthusiastically supported Asian art through the years,” says Brendan Lynch, chairman of Asia Week New York and co-director of Oliver Forge and Brendan Lynch, Ltd. in London.

From ancient treasures to contemporary masterpieces, the participating galleries will showcase an extraordinary selection of Asian porcelain, jewelry, textiles, paintings, ceramics, sculpture, bronzes, and prints, spanning the second millennium BCE to the present day. Here’s a sneak peek at this year’s stellar dealer roster, organized by specialty:

Indian, Himalayan, and Southeast Asian Art

Avalokiteshvara, Central Tibet, 15th c., copper alloy, height: 13¾ in. (34.9 cm), Courtesy Carlton Rochell Asian Art

• Art Passages (United States)
• Oliver Forge and Brendan Lynch Ltd (England)
• Francesca Galloway (England)
• Carlton Rochell Asian Art (United States)

Ancient and/or Contemporary Chinese Art

A large and rare Inlaid Koryo Celadon Tile, Korean, 12th-13th c., 23 x 30.5 cm, Courtesy Zetterquist Galleries

• Alisan Fine Arts (Hong Kong/United States)
• Fu Qiumeng Fine Art (United States)
• Ralph M. Chait Galleries, Inc. (United States)
• INKstudio (United States/China)
• Kaikodo LLC (United States)
• Lark Mason Associates (United States)
• Loewentheil Photography of China Collection (United States)
• Zetterquist Galleries (United States)

Ancient and/or Contemporary Japanese Art

Wada Morihiro (1944-2008), Overlapping Comma Pattern Vessel, ca. 2004, glazed and slip-glazed stoneware, 14 1/2 x 8 1/4 x 8 1/4 in., Photo by Richard Goodbody, Courtesy Joan B Mirviss LTD

• The Art of Japan (United States)
• Dai Ichi Arts, Ltd. (United States)
• Carole Davenport (United States)
• Egenolf Gallery Japanese Prints (United States)
• Ippodo Gallery (United States)
• Joan B Mirviss LTD (United States)
• Onishi Gallery (United States)
• Scholten Japanese Art (United States)
• Sebastian Izzard Asian Art (United States)
• SEIZAN Gallery New York (United States)
• Shibunkaku (Japan)
• TAI Modern (United States)
• Thomsen Gallery (United States)
• Hiroshi Yanagi Oriental Art (Japan)

Ancient and Contemporary Korean Art

Bohnchang Koo (b. 1953), HA 07 BW, 2005, archival pigment print, 9 7/8 x 7 3/8 in. (25 x 20 cm), Courtesy HK Art & Antiques LLC

• HK Art & Antiques LLC (United States)

Installation view, Ik-Joong Kang: We are Connected

Ik-Joong Kang: We are Connected
Closing Friday, December 13, 2024

Don’t miss Ik-Joong Kang: We Are Connected, an exhibition that bridges East and West through the artist’s evocative work at the Korean Cultural Center. Kang’s art weaves diverse elements into a harmonious tapestry, reflecting the deep interconnectedness of our global community.

At the heart of Kang’s aesthetic is a macrocosmic worldview that transcends boundaries of race, nationality, and gender, paired with a microcosmic perspective shaped by his experiences as a Korean artist in 1980s-90s New York. His monumental works, such as the vast installations composed of thousands of small parts, serve as metaphors for the collective human experience. Each fragment, whether it be a piece of glazed porcelain, a Hangeul tile, or a multimedia element, embodies a story, a memory, or a piece of cultural heritage.

Kang’s contemporary reinterpretations of traditional Korean motifs, like Moon Jars and Hangeul, celebrate the timeless beauty of Korean culture while exploring universal themes of love, hope, and connection. His art transcends boundaries, weaving individual stories and traditions into a collective narrative.

As you explore this exhibition, may you be moved by the intricate details, the blend of old and new, and the silent conversations between East and West. Kang’s art invites reflection on our own journeys, our connections with others, and the beautiful complexity of the world we inhabit.

To learn more, click here.

Courtesy Korea Society

Dyadic | Annette Hur & Hayoon Jay Lee
Closing Friday, December 13, 2024

These are the last days to catch Dyadic | Annette Hur & Hayoon Jay Lee, a duo exhibition where two Korean-born artists based in New York present their own expositions and elucidations on abstract art.

With her bold colors and brushstroke, Annette Hur deliberately positions her paintings in between abstraction and figuration, dealing with the conflicts of the real lived experience and how her body remembers and processes it. Hayoon Jay Lee uses rice as object, motif, metaphor and visceral biomorphic forms, meticulously and meditatively arranging individual grains of rice into a surface with modeling paste to create physical and emotional topographies.

Please note that the Korea Society Gallery is open by appointment only. The appointment must be made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled visit. To make an appointment, please contact [email protected]

To learn more, click here.

Aries (Mangala), from a series of Astrological Paintings, Indian, c. 1810, opaque watercolor and gold on paper, 7 3/4 × 6 in. (19.69 × 15.24 cm); Gift of Wayne and Nancy Hunnicutt, 2019.63.1

Mapping the Heavens: Art, Astronomy, and Exchange between the Islamic Lands and Europe
December 14, 2024 – January 11, 2026
Gallery 203

Where are we? When are we?

These fundamental questions drove the development of astronomical sciences and religious practices across different times, regions, and faiths, to map and understand our place in the world and its relationship with the heavens.

The story of Mapping the Heavens at Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art opening on December 14 begins in the Islamic World during the Early Middle Ages (c. 500s – 1200s CE), where Muslim scientists preserved and advanced the study of astronomy. Access to these scientific texts– many collected and translated in Spain in the 1200s and widely disseminated in books after the invention of the printing press in the 1400s–fueled a revolution of new discoveries and created a shared astronomical knowledge across Europe.

The works presented in this exhibition introduce the advancement of astronomy as a multi-cultural and multi-faith dialogue between scholars and scientists, showcasing the beauty and importance of the books, instruments, and images that communicated these discoveries.

To learn more, click here.

Installation view, Ink and Inspiration, Fu Qiumeng Fine Art

Ink and Inspiration
Closing Saturday, December 14, 2024
65 East 80th St, NYC

This is the final week to experience the captivating group exhibition Ink and Inspiration at Fu Qiumeng Fine Art.

At the heart of East Asian painting and calligraphy is a deep understanding of the “brush,” and inseparable from that is the use of “ink.” Together, brush and ink have given rise to artistic traditions that have evolved over thousands of years and continue to influence the modern world today. This dynamic interplay between simplicity and complexity—depth and breadth—creates endless possibilities, much like the ancient game of Go, where simple rules lead to infinite strategies.

Ink and Inspiration features a rich collection of works, spanning traditional and contemporary interpretations of brush and ink. Among the highlights are works by Huang Junbi (1898-1991) and Hu Yefu (1908-1980), representing traditional approaches to brush and ink; an early 1941 work by C. C. Wang, capturing his youthful obsession with mastering brush techniques, juxtaposed with a later piece from his mature years that reveals the evolution of his artistry; a piece by Yu Peng (1955-2014), whose innovative compositions and bold use of color pushed the boundaries of ink painting at the turn of the 20th century; a work by Chen Danqing (b. 1953), renowned for his oil paintings but equally adept at traditional calligraphy, with brushwork that recalls the style of Ming dynasty masters; and finally, a collaborative work of Michael Cherney (b. 1969) and Arnold Chang (b. 1954) representing the modern extension of brush and ink into the contemporary art world, where tradition and innovation meet.

This exceptional exhibition invites viewers to explore the profound legacy of brush and ink, a medium that continues to inspire and evolve across generations. Be sure to catch it before it closes soon!

To learn more, click here.

Clockwise from Top Left: Ikebana Demonstration; Portrait of the Third Taglund Abbot, Sangye Yarjon (detail), Central Tibet, ca. 1262–1263, opaque watercolor with gold on cloth, Tangka: 12 3/4 x 10 in., lent by The Kronos Collections, Open Studio – Calligraphy

Explore the fascinating exhibitions at The Met this month with an array of engaging public events. Participate in in-person and online lectures, hands-on art-making activities, and an in-depth study session led by renowned scholars and experts. Discover topics such as the intricate symbolism of Tibetan Buddhist mandalas, the artistry of Chinese and Japanese calligraphy, and the techniques behind creating stunning Japanese Ikebana flower arrangements.

The Rubin Museum Distinguished Lecture in Himalayan Art—Outer and Inner: Mahasiddhas Empowered by Mandalas Embodied
Tuesday, December 10, 2024 from 6-7pm
Bonnie J. Sacerdote Lecture Hall, Ruth and Harold D. Uris Center for Education
Free; In-person and Livestream

Presented in conjunction with the exhibition Mandalas: Mapping the Buddhist Art of Tibet, join scholar Robert Linrothe to explore the connection between “outer” and “inner” mandalas. In the Himalayas, these “power objects” are known to dispense blessings and are the focus of rituals, offerings, and advanced spiritual training. Take a deep dive into the Mandalas exhibition and learn about Tibetan Buddhist siddhas, mahasiddhas, and mandalas from one of the world’s leading scholars.

While advance registration is now closed, you can watch the livestream on The Met’s YouTube page here.

To learn more, click here.

Open Studio – Calligraphy
Saturday, December 14, 2024 from 1-4pm
Various Galleries, Florence and Herbert Irving Asian Wing
Free with Museum admission

Presented in conjunction with the exhibitions Chinese Painting and Calligraphy: Selections from the Collection and The Three Perfections: Japanese Poetry, Calligraphy, and Painting from the Mary and Cheney Cowles Collection, explore the materials and process of Chinese and Japanese calligraphy through an artist demonstration, a performance, and art making listed below:

Gallery 217, The Astor Court
Learn more about the art of writing through a performance and calligraphy demonstration by artist Vincent Chong (performing as Crystal Monkey) featuring musical accompaniment by Ariel Loh and Clae Lu. (Note: The artist will process to The Astor Court from the Great Hall starting at 12:45 pm).

Gallery 209, The Astor Forecourt
Explore techniques of ink brush painting and use calligraphic lines to create your own work of art.

For visitors of all ages; space is limited; first come, first served.

To learn more, click here.

Sunday at The Met—Calligraphy Across the Collection
Sunday, December 15, 2024 from 2-3:30pm
The Grace Rainey Rogers Auditorium
Free with Museum admission

Presented in conjunction with the exhibitions Chinese Painting and Calligraphy: Selections from the Collection, The Great Hall Commission: Tong Yang-Tze, Dialogue, and The Three Perfections: Japanese Poetry, Calligraphy, and Painting from the Mary and Cheney Cowles Collection, join Museum experts for presentations about works of art that feature calligraphy throughout The Met collection, including Chinese, Islamic, Japanese, and Modern and Contemporary art. Learn how artists across different times and cultures have explored calligraphy’s capacity for visual, emotional, and social impact beyond linguistic barriers.

Free with Museum admission, though advance registration is recommended. Note: Space is limited; first come, first served. Priority will be given to those who register.

To learn more and register, click here.

Art History Study Group—Mandalas: Mapping the Buddhist Art of Tibet
Monday, December 16, 2024 from 4-5:30pm
Online
Fee: $40

Presented in conjunction with the exhibition Mandalas: Mapping the Buddhist Art of Tibet, expand your knowledge of art history through virtual introductions to core themes and close examination of The Met’s objects with Museum experts. Join Kurt Behrendt, curator of the exhibit, to explore the imagery of Himalayan Buddhist devotional art dating primarily between the 12th and 15th centuries. Learn about Himalayan Buddhist worship through early masterworks juxtaposed with a newly commissioned contemporary installation by Tibetan artist Tenzing Rigdol.

Space is limited; advance registration is required. Registration closes Friday, December 13, 2024, or when registration is full.

To learn more and register, click here.

Ikebana Demonstration
Tuesday, December 17, 2024 from 11:30am-12:30pm and 1:30-2:30pm
Gallery 209, The Astor Forecourt
Free with Museum admission

Learn how to prepare a Japanese Ikebana flower arrangement in the style of the Ohara School from instructor Asae Takahashi. Ikebana, or the art of flower arrangement, is a tradition that has been practiced in Japan for centuries. Blending the concept of natural balance and minimalism, the evolving art form pays respect to both traditional and contemporary aesthetics. In this program, a demonstrator prepares flower arrangements in one of the many schools of style that exist within this artistic tradition. They share their vision for each piece, the creative process, and how these decisions relate to the philosophy of Ikebana tradition, which is rooted in balance, harmony, and the beauty of impermanence.

Free with Museum admission, though advance registration is recommended. Note: Space is limited; first come, first served.

To learn more and register, click here.