Emperors’ Treasures: Chinese Art from the National Palace Museum, Taipei October 23, 2016–January 29, 2017
► Make getting to the exhibition a snap! Check this map to learn about parking and METRORail details.
Emperors’ Treasures: Chinese Art from the National Palace Museum, Taipei brings to Houston masterpieces that highlight the artistic and cultural contributions of imperial rulers in China, from the Song dynasty to the Qing dynasty. More than 160 works of art from the National Palace Museum offer a unique selection of paintings, bronzes, calligraphy, and decorative arts, including porcelain, textiles, enamels, and jade.
The exhibition presents examples of the finest craftsmanship and imperial taste, exploring the roles that eight emperors and one empress—who ruled between the early-12th-century Song dynasty and the early-20th-century Qing dynasty—had in the establishment and development of new artistic directions through the masterpieces they collected, commissioned, and in some cases created. Emperors' Treasures outlines how Chinese art came to evolve and flourish under Han Chinese, Mongol, and Manchu rulers.
These remarkable objects have rarely been displayed outside of Taipei. Selections include an 11th-century white pottery vase that is a supreme example of the art of the Chinese potter; landscape paintings by court artists of the 12th century; a calligraphy by the Emperor Huizong in his distinctive style; a “chicken cup” produced in the mid-Ming period, for centuries the most sought after of all porcelain wares because of its superb quality; fine silk tapestries little known outside of China; and the Qianlong emperor’s box of small treasures.
Photography is not permitted in this exhibition.
Publications
The accompanying exhibition catalogue is available through the MFA Shop (713.639.7360) and the Museum's Hirsch Library (713.639.7325). Interested in learning more about Asian art? Visit the MFA Shop to pick up the November/December 2016 issue of “Arts of Asia” magazine, featuring a special focus on the MFAH.
In-Gallery Extra: Audio Tour
Enhance your experience with the optional audio tour.
► Exhibition Admission
Tickets purchased online or on-site are good for any day, any time, during regular Museum hours. Exhibition tickets include general admission fees.
MFAH Member (Join now!) | Free |
Adult (19+) | $15 |
Senior (65+ with ID), Military (with ID) | $10 |
College Student (19+ with ID), Youth (13–18) | $7.50 |
Child (12 & younger) | Free |
This exhibition is co-organized by the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco and the National Palace Museum, Taipei.
The presentation in Houston is a collaboration between the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; the Asian Art Museum; and the National Palace Museum.
Lead foundation underwriting is provided by:
The Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Foundation
Additional generous support for this exhibition is provided by:
Cindy and Frank Liu Family Foundation
Cartier
James and Leeshan Birney – Stone Mountain Properties
Ceyan Birney – Stone Mountain Properties
World Journal
Global Federation of Chinese Business Women in Southern U.S.A.
Sushila and Dr. Durga D. Agrawal
The Honorable Theresa and Dr. Peter Chang
Kathy and Marty Goossen
Wea Lee
Nidhika and Pershant Mehta
Southwest Management District
Mr. and Mrs. Ed Tseng
Cynthia and Michael Chang, Syntergy LLC
Dr. and Mrs. Jarvis Cheung
E & M Foundation
Eagle Global Advisors
Milton D. Rosenau, Jr. and Dr. Ellen R. Gritz
Harmony Public Schools
Rocky Lai & Associates, Inc.
Annie and Kenneth Li
STOA Architects
Miwa S. Sakashita and Dr. John R. Stroehlein
Amy Sung Foundation
Tang Family Foundation
Nanako and Dale Tingleaf
George C. Yang