Tuesday, February 19, 2008

British Museum (1) : nature in Chinese art




This tiny exhibition explores the symbol-laden depiction of nature in Chinese art, through painting (especially scrolls), tapestries, ceramics and more. I took notes as I wandered through the dimly-lit rooms, where these exceptional (if extremely fragile) pieces were displayed, but rather than impose a scholarly digest on you, I thought I'd let the art speak for itself...

There will be more art from the British Museum before the week is over, I promise!

10 comments:

Andrea Tachezy said...

Oh, Mary-Laure this i so, so wonderful! I wish I could see it in real. Thank you for posting these pictures.

Bexy said...

you're there! i'm so jealous i'm not there.
i've just finished reading that vogue and the love stories are beautifully written no? i especially love the story by Helen Walsh. that last paragraph gave me goosey bumps and complete recognition of what she was talking about.
have a smashing time.
give london my love.
p.s if you get the chance, grab a meal at cafe Emm on Frith St SoHo, it's amazing, relaxed, cheap but it gets real busypm after 8 so eat early"
have fun x

Jill said...

Thanks for the virtual tour of London! What fun! Mary-Laure, do you want me to e-mail you the tote bag instructions or snail mail them? It might take me a few days to get them off to you, but I'm happy to do it. Just leave me a message over on my blog when you think of it! Cheers!

marie said...

oh so lovely.. i adore old drawings and paintings, they have so much history
i wonder how many people have looked and touched those pieces..where they lived, when they lived, and how they came across them

Mary-Laure said...

Bexy, I absolutely agree with you about that Helen Walsh article; it brought instant tears to my eyes (and the illustrations were wonderful, weren't they?)
I'm glad you share my passion for Vogue!
I'm actually back from London but would love to try the cafe you mention next time I'll be there. Thanks for the tip!

Jill, thanks for your offer, it's so sweet of you!
I'll ask a seamstress friend here in Paris if she can help me with the tote!

ALL THE BEST said...

So pretty and quietly stunning. I just love the photos. Thanks for sharing.

Esti said...

So inspiring art!! Thanks for posting the pictures, since I'd probably not get the chance of coming to London soon...

pve design said...

I have a strong penchant for Asian art - the love of nature and the soft colors speak to me,
Gorgeous!

Laura in Paris said...

I enjoyed seeing your picture of the lychees painting. So delicate! I have had it in my mind for a while, and today in the local market I felt like buying a handful of them. Although mine come from Madagascar and not China - where I think they originally come from - they were truly delicious!

design dna said...

THESE ARE SO BEAUTIFUL!! so delicate. what a treat to pop over to london. i have never been! i have only ever been to paris, but do not cry for me, i loved every minute of it and fantasize constantly about my return.....and my VERY long stay!