Come to visit the East Asian Book Art Exhibition in the North Gallery of the John Hay Library. The exhibit will last through March 19, 2010. The items are selected from East Asian Collection in the Rock Library, which probably is the first exhibition of its kind in the country.
East Asian Book Art Exhibition
North Gallery of the John Hay Library, Brown University
Dec. 16, 2009 – March 19, 2010
East Asian countries, China, Japan, and Korea, are not only proud of their long history of paper production and book printing, but also of their development of wonderful book design and binding art. China especially now produces more books than any other country in the world, and has witnessed an increasing growth of newly designed books in recent years. We think it´s time to introduce this new trend of book art to our library patrons.
Combining the best of traditional design with modern colors and patterns, these books often use various “real” materials, such as painted porcelains, embroidery, coins, stamps, wood, leather, and special paper, to bring the readers into close touch with both culture and nature. The designs and shapes of the books and book covers/cases are also varied and vivid. In terms of content, the historical range covers nearly 5,000 years. The subject fields include East Asian history, literature, philosophy, religion, military art, fine art, calligraphy, and folk arts. Themes range from ancient bamboo slips to modern music CDs; from Confucian classics to Chairman Mao´s “Little Red Book”; from the printed Buddhist canon of Korea to Japanese ukiyo-e art; and from woodblock printing to Peking opera makeup. All these reflect the essence of the rich and colorful East Asian cultures.
The exhibition is in the North Gallery of the John Hay Library. There are also two large pictures of the Gardner Room in the Rockefeller Library posted on the wall of the exhibition room. The Gardner Room´s traditional Chinese bookcases are unique in North America.
Hope you will stop by the exhibition and enjoy the book art!