Covered box with flowers, reign of the Yongle emperor (1403-1425). Red lacquer with carved designs (tihong).

For centuries, Ming porcelain vases have been regarded as the epitome of priceless beauty. The Asian Art Museum’s special exhibition, Power & Glory: Court Arts of China’s Ming Dynasty demonstrates why not just vases but Ming art of many types has earned such acclaim. On view from June 27–September 21, 2008, this major groundbreaking exhibition explores the grandeur and opulence of one of the most important dynasties in Chinese history. Power & Glory also marks the Asian Art Museum’s first collaboration with three of China’s most prestigious institutions — The Palace Museum (Forbidden City) in Beijing, the Nanjing Municipal Museum, and the Shanghai Museum. Some of the most precious artworks from the Ming dynasty (1368–1644) from these museums, along with some of the finest items from this period owned by the Asian Art Museum, make up Power & Glory, the first exhibition in the U. S. to focus on the full range of Ming court arts. Many of the more than 240 artworks — porcelain, paintings, textiles, lacquer, jade, jewelry, architectural elements, and more — will be on public view for the first time. The exhibition provides a rare opportunity to experience the breadth and depth of Ming achievement, through an unequaled collection of works from the Chinese dynasty most renowned for its refined aesthetic and standards of perfection. The exhibition will travel to the Indianapolis Museum of Art (October 26–January 11, 2009) and the St. Louis Museum of Art (February 22–May 17, 2009).

This exhibition was organized and curated by Li He, Associate Curator of Chinese Art, and Michael Knight, Senior Curator of Chinese Art and Deputy Director of Strategic Programs and Partnerships. “The Ming dynasty was much more than the fine porcelain vases that the world continues to covet centuries later. Li and I, together with our counterparts in China, worked hard to assemble this unprecedented exhibition that explores the full range of Ming court arts. It is our hope that museum visitors of all ages will learn more through this exhibition about the artistic and cultural traditions of one of China’s most celebrated dynasties,” said Knight.

Ms. Ruan Weiping, Associate Research Fellow at the Palace Museum, said, “Some of the paintings and the majority of textiles included in this exhibition will be on display for the first time ever; prior to this, they were kept in our storerooms and never seen by the public. It goes without saying that these objects are priceless and of great importance.”

This exhibition is made possible by the Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation, a Hong Kong based philanthropic organization with a mission to foster and support Chinese arts and culture, in particular cross-cultural understanding between China and the world.

Caroline Pfohl-Ho, President of the Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation, said, “2008 is the year of China, and the Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation takes great pleasure in continuing its collaboration with world-renowned museums in staging timely exhibitions that present Chinese arts and culture to international audiences. This exhibition features over 240 artifacts from three major museums in China, bringing to life not only the artistic achievement of the Ming dynasty, but also dialogues between museums in China and the U.S. The Foundation believes that empathy and mutual understanding are key to social harmony, and can be cultivated through appreciation of the arts. The Foundation also shares a belief of Avery Brundage, founding father of the Asian Art Museum and President of the International Olympics Committee from 1952 to 1972. This belief is that understanding and tolerance can be fostered among the disparate cultures of the world through the arts and through athletics. The Forbidden City constitutes a priceless testimony to Chinese civilization. Audiences may find that the robust cultural and economic strength of the Ming dynasty draws analogies with today’s China.”