Textile art encompasses a wide range of practices, some which date back millennia. The AGGV is privileged to have in its collection numerous textiles and related implements from Europe, but especially from Asia, in particular China and Japan. We have put together a list of terms found in textile art, defining them for easy comprehension. […]
Category: Asian Art Collection
10 Things To Know About Cloisonné Enamel
Cloisonné is an ancient technique of decorating metalware with colourful infills of vitreous enamel.
Escapism Through Chinese Landscape Painting
By Audrey Wang, AGGV Volunteer
The practice of Chinese ink painting was a personal and meditative exercise, the essence of the work derived from the spontaneous expression of feelings. And in the Song dynasty, landscape painting became a symbol of escape and sanctuary from the chaos of reality.
The Spring Flower Count in the AGGV Collection
At the Art Gallery, we have a flower count from our vast art collection. How many varieties can you name in the artworks in this article? Take our quiz and scroll down to the end for the answers!
Say What? Art Terms For Beginners, Part 12
The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria houses one of the greatest and most diverse Asian art collections in Canada, with works from China, Japan, Korea, Tibet, India, Vietnam and Thailand. In this quarter’s segment of “Art Terms For Beginners”, we will continue to focus on terminology specific to Asian art and culture.
Introducing Dr. Heng Wu
By Jon Tupper, AGGV Director
Dr. Heng Wu is joining us as the Gallery’s Curator of Asian Art (Academic). Heng studied journalism and international business in Shanghai and has a Ph.D in Museum Studies from the University of Bergen in Norway. She worked previously at the Nanjing Museum, one of the leading museums in China.
Chinoiserie or Just Plain Chinese?
By Audrey Wang, AGGV Volunteer
The popularity of Chinoiserie emerged in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, attributed to the European fascination with the exotic East. The imagined mysticism of China gave birth to an idealized world of idyllic landscapes and a life of luxury and relaxation.
Say What? Art Terms for Beginners, Part 11
Derived from the Sanskrit, the key concept of dharma has different meanings in Hinduism, Sikhism, Jainism and Buddhism.
10 Things To Know About Lacquer
Lacquer is a uniquely East Asian product and material, as it is derived from the sap of the tree, rhus verniciflua, which is native to China and Japan.
Say What? Art Terms For Beginners, Part 10
Art conservation and restoration terms are revealed in this installment of Art Terms. But first, you may question what the difference is between conservation and restoration.