UPCOMING ASIA WEEK NEW YORK EXHIBITION
Courtesy China Institute of America
Eternal Offerings: Chinese Ritual Bronzes from the Minneapolis Institute of Art
March 6 – July 13, 2025
Curator’s Lecture: Friday, March 6 from 6:30-8pm (RSVP)
Asia Week Open House: Thursday, March 14 from 10am-8pm (Free)
Bronze casting in China, which began over 4,000 years ago, stands as one of the greatest achievements in early metalcraft. During the Shang (1600–1046 BCE) and Zhou (1046–256 BCE) dynasties, the period known as the Bronze Age, ritual bronze vessels played a central role in ancestor worship, a cornerstone of Chinese spiritual and social life. Each vessel type served a specific purpose in ritual ceremonies and was adorned with intricate designs that symbolized power, spirituality, and cosmic harmony. Many were inscribed to honor ancestors, rulers, or to commemorate significant events, blending artistic mastery with historical record. These vessels, crafted using advanced casting techniques, were not only functional but also remarkable testaments to technological and cultural sophistication.
This exhibition, drawn from the extensive collection of the Minneapolis Institute of Art, explores the diverse forms, functions, and symbolic meanings of ancient Chinese bronzes, providing a window into the spiritual and artistic essence of early Chinese civilization.
Join our Curator’s Lecture on opening day where Dr. Liu Yang, Chair of Asian Art and Curator of Chinese Art at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, will trace the formation of Alfred Pillsbury’s collection of ancient bronzes at Mia—widely regarded as one of the finest assemblages of ancient Chinese bronzes in the United States—and offer updated perspectives on many masterpieces from this remarkable assemblage. To RSVP and learn more, click here.
Also be sure to attend our Asia Week York Open House on March 14 as we celebrate and promote Asian art amidst the vibrant cultural tapestry of New York City. Join us for an immersive experience that connects the past with the present, and witness firsthand the enduring beauty and historical significance of ancient masterpieces. Enjoy light refreshments as you explore the exhibition!
To learn more, click here.
ONGOING PROGRAMS
China Institute Calligraphy and Music Meetup
Friday: February 21, 6-8pm
Step into a world where tradition meets artistry, and ancient culture resonates with the busy life in New York City! China Institute in America cordially invites you to this monthly program for a mesmerizing evening of traditional Chinese music and the enchanting world of calligraphy.
Listen to the performance of the unique Chinese instruments, and feel the charm of Chinese music combined with practicing Chinese calligraphy with a master calligrapher. Take the chance to interact with our calligrapher, musicians and fellow cultural lovers too!
No previous experience of calligraphy is required. Ink, paper, and brush will be provided onsite. Join like-minded friends to enjoy tea, practice calligraphy, and listen to music. We look forward to a wonderful evening with you!
Refreshments will be served.
This program is in partnership with the US-China Music Institute of the Bard College Conservatory of Music.
To reserve tickets, click here.
Check out all our other insightful and cultural events here.
Lunch and Learn
Fridays: February 7, March 7, April 4, May 2
Online
Join us virtually to read aloud Chinese poetry, learn about Chinese culture, and gain insight into Chinese life through Chinese art, literature, and history. Participants will enjoy live, interactive learning sessions with our language and cultural experts from home.
Would you like to explore the rich culinary landscape of China? Far beyond the familiar Chinese takeout in U.S. cities, Chinese cuisine is a complex tapestry of regional flavors and ethnic traditions.
Starting February 2025, our Lunch and Learn series will focus on food and food cultures in China’s various regions as well as the remarkable cross-cultural journey in New York. We will showcase dishes that exhibit their unique foodways and culinary identities.
We will discuss how history and migration have contributed to the development of cuisine culture in Beijing; how geography and social changes have defined the food on table in Yanji (in northeast China); how Nuosu people’s careful collection of grains and animal sacrifice have generated remarkable feast from the highlands in Xichang (in southwest China); and lastly, how the neighborhood of Flushing has witnessed the expansion of Chinese cuisine from Cantonese and Sichuan restaurants to the new addition of eateries from Northern and Central China in New York City. With this season’s four interactive online sessions, we hope to explore delicious food as well as the values and history embedded in diverse culinary traditions in China and beyond!
Contact:
Yongqiang Lin, [email protected]
