JAN/FEB 2016

VOLUME 47 - NUMBER 1

Behind every great work of art is a story. For our first issue of 2016, we delve into the tales and traditions behind some remarkable artistic creations. Liu Yang begins by revealing the poetic foundations underpinning a chased silver plate inspired by Su Shi’s Odes to the Red Cliff. Turning to Japan, Monica Bincsik discusses the development of customs that led to the production of notable lacquer wares and ceramics now in the Mary Griggs Burke Collection, on view in a special exhibition at the Met until 31 July 2016. Armed with scientific analyses, Nanhee Lee presents an indepth examination of a Goryeo dynasty incense box with mother-of-pearl inlay. Through a review of comparative works she establishes the object’s implications for the study of this material in Goryeo lacquer.

Filial piety and other virtues of Northern Qi nobleman Gao Rui are discussed in Eileen Hsiang-ling Hsu’s essay, which centres on four marble Buddha statues that Gao commissioned. Moving on to the 20th century, Ellen Johnston Laing talks about a set of political nianhua centred around the 1911 Republican Revolution. These colour prints make use of blocks previously used for older, established themes, modified for a more modern purpose and a new era.

Another Chinese tradition—that of the scholar-recluse—seems to be echoed in the rich, atmospheric works of contemporary artist He Baili, who speaks to Orientations about his life and work.

Also in this issue, Liu Yang pays tribute to philanthropist Bruce Dayton, who donated many important works to the Minneapolis Institute of Art, including the silver plate featured on this month’s cover.

FEATURES
Liu Yang. Cadence of a Timeless Poem: A Southern Song Silver Plate Decorated with a Chased ‘Red Cliff’ Scene
Monika Bincsik. The Great Stylistic Transition: Decorative Arts in the Mary Griggs Burke Collection
Nanhee Lee. Angels and Peonies: A Goryeo Dynasty Incense Box with Mother-of-pearl Inlay
Eileen Hsiang-ling Hsu. Splendour of the Northern Qi: Imperial Buddha Statues
Ellen Johnston Laing. Five Political Prints in the Nianhua Medium: 1911 to 1916
PREVIEWS & REVIEWS
Park Eunsoon. Book Reviews: Pathways to Korean Culture: Paintings of the Joseon Dynasty, 1392–1910 by Burglind Jungmann
Sylvia Fraser-Lu. Book Review: Tai Magic: Arts of the Supernatural in the Shan States and Lan Na by Susan Conway
Jonathan Hope. Exhibition Review: ‘The Fabric of India’
INTERVIEWS
Artistic Wanderings: An Interview with He Baili
NEWS
A Few Moments with Bruce Dayton (1918–2015)
News
In and Around the Galleries
Margaret Tao. Asia Week New York Auctions – September 2015
Sotheby’s Hong Kong – Autumn 2015
London Auctions – Autumn 2015