: "Cast of Gods: Ming Dynasty Bronzes, Deities and Ritual Vessels"
is an exhibition of Chinese bronzes, which demonstrates why the
Chinese are called the "masters of the mold" in a tradition of
bronze casting that dates back to before the Shang dynasty
(1766-1122 BC). It will run September 19 to November 1 at E&J
Frankel, Ltd, 1040 Madison Avenue.
These Ming dynasty bronzes embody the dignitaries and deities of
the "Three Teachings": Confucianism, Daoism and Buddhism. They
not only show the aesthetics and artisanship of the Ming period
(1368-1644), but also allude to the socio-political climate of
their period, when the "Three Teachings merged into One."
The reawakening of a more universal form of neo-Confucianism
revived reverence for antiquity and brought forth the "100
Antiques," a reference to archaic bronze forms. At the same time,
bronze manifestations of such deities as Guanyin, Guandi, Laozi,
the Buddha and Wen Chang, to mention but a few, for temples and
home shrines, representing the multifarious faces of Chinese
divinity in the syncretic religious environment of Ming China.
This exhibition of 54 objects displays techniques such as gold
and silver inlay, enamel inlay, gilding and variations in
patination, all of which appeared in this period. An example of
Ming dynasty opulence, in 1427 the Xuande Emperor received 39,000
(23 tons) caddies of copper as tribute from the King of Siam
(Thailand). In 1428 these became ritual bronze vessels. So
popular was the demand for bronze vessels for religious, courtly
and scholarly use, incense was burned in temples and home
shrines, as well as scholar's studios in elegant ding shape
bronze censers.
The exhibition will open a window onto the inner worlds of the
Confucian State cult, with roots in ancient Chinese shamanism, as
well as Buddhism and Daoism, through these bronze objects, which
reveal the heart and soul of China. For many, it may be a first
encounter with the various religions of China and the exquisite
art they inspire.
E&J Frankel, Ltd, one of New York's oldest and most respected
Asian art galleries, is once again on the cutting edge,
introducing ancient ideas in new forms to American collectors and
enthusiasts.
E&J Frankel, Ltd is at 1040 Madison Avenue at 79th Street
and is open Monday to Saturday, from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm. For
more information, 212-879-5733 or ejfrankel.com.
