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.

Installation view, Treasures in Miniature, Dai Ichi Arts, Ltd.

Winter Collection: Treasures in Miniature
Closing Friday, December 13, 2024

Don’t miss the opportunity to view this curated collection of small works by modern and contemporary master ceramicists from Japan and Korea at Dai Ichi Arts, Ltd. before it closes on December 13. These thoughtfully crafted objects celebrate the quiet beauty often overlooked in the hustle of daily life, offering a moment of stillness and reflection.

The collection is divided into three distinct sections: ceramics for the calligrapher’s craft, implements for incense, and vessels for sake and tea. Among these captivating works is a new collection of ceramic water droppers from Korea, celebrating the profound influence and shared heritage that has enriched Japanese craftsmanship for centuries. Each object, whether a desk companion or a portable collector’s treasure, invites admiration for its intricate details and masterful design. These miniature works of art embody a sense of beauty in the everyday, making them perfect for personal use or as inspiration on your travels.

As the weather turns colder and the days shorter, we often find ourselves spending more time at home, surrounded by the objects we cherish. Be sure to explore this enchanting collection and discover the craftsmanship and cultural heritage behind these timeless pieces.

To view the exhibition catalog, click here.

To learn more, click here.

Installation view, Spacetime and Landscapes, Wangye Museum, Shenzhen

Spacetime and Landscapes
November 28, 2024 – May 17, 2025
Wangye Museum
Songshan Lake, Dongguan, Shenzhen

Eric Zetterquist, founder of the esteemed Zetterquist Galleries, is delighted to announce the opening of Spacetime and Landscapes, an exhibition showcasing his Object Portraits at the Wangye Museum in Shenzhen, China. Inspired by the museum’s collection of Chinese ceramics and artifacts, Zetterquist reinterprets these historical objects through a contemporary lens. His meticulous focus on minute details and the interplay of negative space transforms each artifact into an abstracted, modern composition. The resulting works transcend time, capturing a distilled essence of the ancient forms while reimagining their significance within a minimalist visual language.

To learn more about these works, click here.

Spiral Magazine, Reframe, Issue 8, Courtesy the Rubin

The Rubin is mailing their upcoming spring issue of Spiral Magazine to the first 2,000 people who sign up for the publication by December 31!

Spiral is the Rubin’s signature magazine offering readers an in-depth exploration of Himalayan art, culture, and ideas. Through a rich combination of essays, interviews, and visuals, Spiral delves into the museum’s exhibitions, programs, and collections, connecting them to broader themes of mindfulness, philosophy, and contemporary relevance. As a thoughtful platform for experts, artists, and thinkers to share insights, this annual publication inspires readers to engage with the profound heritage of Himalayan traditions in fresh and meaningful ways.

To learn more and reserve your free copy today, click here.

Kondō Takahiro (Japanese, born 1958), Reflection: TK Self Portrait, 2010., glazed porcelain, 19 1/16 × 6 3/16 in. (48.5 × 15.7 cm); Carol and Jeffrey Horvitz Collection, © Kondō Takahiro. (Photo: Richard P. Goodbody and John Morgan)

Museum Spotlight: Porcelains in the Mist: The Kondō Family of Ceramicists
Closing Sunday, December 8, 2024
Arts of Japan, 2nd Floor

There’s still time to catch Porcelains in the Mist: The Kondō Family of Ceramicists at the Brooklyn Museum before it closes on December 8.  This extraordinary exhibition celebrates the groundbreaking artistry of the Kondō family, featuring sixty-one stunning works that trace three generations of innovation in Japanese ceramics.

The exhibit highlights the artistic legacy of Kondō Yūzō (1902–1985), a designated Living National Treasure, and his descendants—Kondō Hiroshi (1936–2012), Kondō Yutaka (1932–1983), and contemporary artist Kondō Takahiro (b. 1958). Together, they transcended traditional techniques to embrace original, individual expression.

Tracing this evolution, the exhibit showcases early creations ranging from freehand-painted vases and pure-white jars to Kondō Takahiro’s mesmerizing porcelain sculptures. These striking pieces, often self-portraits, are glazed in deep shades of blue and adorned with metallic droplets known as “silver mist” or gintekisai. Both the term and the intricate glazing technique are innovations of Takahiro, demonstrating his mastery and ingenuity. Several of these powerful porcelains reflect his personal responses to monumental events, particularly the 2011 earthquake and tsunami that devastated northeastern Japan.

Learn more about how each generation of the Kondō family has distinguished their innovation from Curator Joan Cummins here.

To learn more about the exhibit, click here.

Pair of Pottery Court Ladies, Chinese, Tang Dynasty, circa 618-907 A.D., height: 19 cm–19.5 cm

Gifts from the Ancient World
December 2 – 6, 2024
16-17 Pall Mall, London

Oliver Forge and Brendan Lynch Ltd. is pleased to announce their newly opened Christmas exhibition Gifts from the Ancient World, which is on show from December 2-6.

Among the treasures is a pair of Tang Dynasty Court Ladies, a group of Egyptian faience jewelry, stone vessels, and ancient bronzes. With prices ranging from £200-5,000, it is an ideal show for Christmas treats.

They’ve already seen swift sales, so be sure to browse their catalogue and reach out with any inquiries!

To view their superb online catalog, click here.

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
October 26 – December 20, 2024
9 East 63rd St, NYC

Thomsen Gallery warmly invites you to experience their 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 remarkable screen that was published and  exhibited at the annual national art exhibition of 1952. Discover the artistry and enduring allure of these timeless creations in an extraordinary journey through Japan’s rich cultural heritage.

To learn more, click here.

Kiyoshi Saito (1907-1997), New York (B), self-carved, self-printed; signed in white at lower right, Kiyoshi Saito, titled, numbered and dated in pencil on bottom margin, NEW YORK (B) 19/50, 1963, with artist’s paper label attached to verso, self-carved, self-printed KIYOSHI SAITO, 1963, 27 1/8 x 21 1/8 in.

Creative Connections: Sosaku-Hanga Artists & New York
December 5, 2024 – January 31, 2025
145 West 58th St, Ste 6D, NYC
View by appointment

Scholten Japanese Art is pleased to present Creative Connections: Sosaku-Hanga Artists & New York, a group exhibition of preeminent Japanese sosaku-hanga print artists, all of whom had connections with New York and with each other.

The presentation includes self-carved and self-printed woodblock prints by Shiko Munakata (1903-1975), Jun’ichiro Sekino (1914-1988), Kiyoshi Saito (1907-1997), Toshi Yoshida (1911-1995) and his younger brother, Hodaka Yoshida (1926-1995), along with Hodaka’s wife, Chizuko Yoshida (1924-2017), as well as another set of spouses, Ansei Uchima (1921-2000) and his wife, Toshiko Uchima (1918-2000).

Explore the exhibition online ahead of its December 5 opening on their website!

To view these superb works, click here.