Seated Bodhidharma 2003
L: 38 cm W: 28 cm H: 70 cm
(Photo courtesy of the artist)

Impression of an Age I 2005
 L: 14 cm W: 12 cm H: 55 cm
(Photo courtesy of the artist)



The Eight Immortals
Left: Lu Dongbin / Right: He Xiangu 1992
L: 24 cm W: 8 cm H: 11 cm
(Photo courtesy of the artist)


Pottery Sculpture by Pan Bolin
9 June to 12 August 2007

Pan Bolin is hailed as one of the most innovative artists working in Shiwan pottery today. The University Museum and Art Gallery of The University of Hong Kong, and the Chinese Artists Association of the Foshan Branch are pleased to present this exhibition, in which over one hundred artworks will be on view.

The history of the kilns in Shiwan can be traced to the Tang dynasty (618-907), with the height of ceramic production occurring towards the end of the Qing dynasty (1644-1911). Since then, Shiwan has been an important place for the production of Shiwan art. The most outstanding characteristics of Shiwan pottery are the richness of its glazes, which imitate those of other famous kilns in China, and the diversity of its glaze colours. Early Shiwan pottery takes its subject from legends, and stories of immortals while figural subjects have persisted right up to the end of the Qing dynasty and the beginning of the Republic. The introduction of human figures, utensils, figurines, plant subjects, and garden ornaments make this one of most varied and vibrant forms of ceramic art. Talented artists have continued to be inspired by Shiwan pottery, with generation after generation taking up the art to push the development of Shiwan pottery into a new era.

The production of the Shiwan pottery has never been interrupted with masters handing down their skills to the next generation. Pan Bolin, born in Shiwan, is one of the most prominent artists working today. He studied at the Central Institute of Arts and Crafts, and the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing, as well as the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts. Pan's style is unique. He addresses the clash of Chinese and Western culture, and topics such as garbage collectors, and other figures that have fallen into oblivion, yet he endeavours to infuse into his works a creative spirit unseen in the past. This exhibition includes examples of Pan Bolin's recent work such as historical figures, scenes from operas, daily life, legends, and animals.

This exhibition is generously sponsored by the Chien Yeh Yuan of the Hong Kong and Macau Taiwanese Charity Fund. A seminar entitled "A Tribute to Past Shiwan Masters" will be presented at the Museum on Saturday 9 June from 10:00 to 11:30 am in which collectors of Shiwan pottery and scholars will explore the subjects in relation to their own fields of expertise. This event will be conducted in Cantonese, and is free and open to the public. No registration required.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Opening Hours:
The Museum opening hours are Monday to Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Sundays 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. The Museum is closed on university and public holidays. Admission is free. All are welcome.