Asian Art Collection

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.

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.

Birdwatching in the AGGV Collection

Calling all you birders! Not only can birdwatching be done through binoculars or telescopes, by listening for bird sounds or watching public webcams, but it can also be done through browsing the AGGV collection with a naked eye. Can you guess what kind of birds are depicted below?