Museum of Art to exhibit flower vessels

Qianlong Emperor’s portrait

Jointly organised by the Macao Museum of Art (MAM), the exhibition “Flower Vessels from the Palace Museum” would commence tomorrow, featuring 100 sets of vessels from the Palace Museum.

The exhibition marks the 18th such cooperation between the MAM and the Palace Museum.

Original paintings that correspond to each of the vessels will be exhibited, according to a statement released by the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC). These paintings demonstrate the usage, styles and sensibilities imbued in the vessels from the Palace and the tell of the elegance of flowers as seen in the Qing Dynasty.

The upcoming exhibition is divided into three sections with six themes, such as “Functions” which features “Offering Sacrifice with Fragrant Flowers” and “Leisure Time Enjoyment” in which flower pots used in Buddhist ceremonies and ancestor worshiping are displayed.

The exhibition will showcase “The Great Emperor Qianlong” and “The Elegant Empress Dowager Cixi,” in which calligraphy and paintings by Emperor Qianlong and Empress Cixi are displayed. These include poems in praise of flower vessels made by imperial order and flower vessels used in the “Da Ya Zhai” (Elegant Studio) and the “Ti He Dian” (Hall of State Harmony).

The exhibition includes complementary paintings, drawings, and original images which depict the strict codes under which imperial vessels were produced. Highlights comprise the “Scroll of the Life Scenes of Emperor Yongzheng’s Imperial Concubines, Standing in Front of the Mirror Wearing Elegant Clothes” in which a glazed flowerpot, a pot saucer and a hand-warmer are portrayed to reveal the combination of flower arrangement, incense and makeup tools in the boudoir.

In the form of lying cattle, the “Shiwan Kiln Moon-White-Glazed Flower Pot in the Shape of a Lying Cattle” showcases how Shiwan kilns incorporated decorative arts with the functions of the objects, by modifying the shape of human, animals, plants and others elements in order for them to function as practical containers.

According to IC, MAM will organize a series of activities including talks conducted by specialists from the Palace Museum, a demonstration and a workshop of literati flower arrangements, guide services, a mini Chinese music concert and games with prizes, among others.

The three talks are “Flower Vessels from the Palace Museum,” the “Wall vases from the Qing Court and Others,” and “Craft potted plants in the Qing court.”

The exhibition “Flower Vessels from the Palace Museum” will be open until March 12 on the 4th floor of MAM.  LV