Events

Date: Tuesday 7 November 2006

Time: 7.00 p.m.

Venue: 82 Cairnhill Road Singapore

The SEACS has scheduled a member study and cultural trip to Vietnam and Cambodia in January 2007. Our speaker is an expert on Vietnam and a professor at NUS. Please join us for an interesting and informative presentation on Vietnam, which has a rich cultural and aesthetic tradition. And we’ll talk about next January’s trip to Vietnam too!

The territory, which is present-day Vietnam, has been home to several different cultures over the centuries. This talk will provide an overview of the three main civilizations: the ethnic Vietnamese (in the north), the Cham (central coast), and the Khmer (Mekong Delta and Cambodia). We will look at the architectural and archeological legacies of each of the three civilizations.

about Bruce Lockhart

Evolution of Chinese Monochromes

by Patricia Welch

Venue: 82 Cairnhill Road Singapore 229684

This 50-minute talk will walk us through the history of monochromes in Chinese ceramics, beginning with the Shang Dynasty when the first primitive celadon glazes were made.

The speaker will cover the two major types of monochromes:

1/ Monochrome glazes such as the celadons and the famous "sacrificial red" and "sacrificial blue" wares.
2/ Monochrome enamels including the beautiful aubergine colours and the sensational yellows.

The talk will be illustrated by slides showing some of the most famous colours and pieces and be augmented by samples of monochromes from the Ming to modern times as the tradition of beautiful monochromes continues right up to this day.

CURRENT & FORTHCOMING EVENTS * unless otherwise noted, the location of listed events is Singapore
7 July - 17 January 2009		Seeing Red: Propaganda and Material Culture in China (1966 – 1976) Get a glimpse into China's Cultural Revolution through a diverse showcase of colourful artefacts, including Chairman Mao-inspired badges, books and porcelain items. ACM Singapore more info
5-10 February 2009		Central Java Trip 5-10 February 2009 The Southeast Asian Ceramic Society offers its members and their friends an exclusive and unprecedented trip to Central Java from 5 to 10 February 2009. It will be led by Dr John Miksic, renowned Southeast Asian archaeologist and probably the world’s foremost authority on Borobudur. Dr Miksic, who is fluent in Indonesian and Dutch, lived and taught in the Solo-Jogjakarta area for seven years in the 1970’s. He will devote five full days to lead the tour of the region’s archaeological and cultural sites. itinerary and cost
ongoing		exhibition Ways of Seeing Chinese Art Lee Kong Chian Art Museum, NUS Museums, Singapore Forming the core strength of the Museum’s Chinese collection, Ways of Seeing Chinese Art, has been refreshed. Over 100 ceramic objects dating from prehistory to the early 20th century represent wares produced by major kilns in China. This exhibition presents a comprehensive history of Chinese ceramic art and shows the depth and breadth of NUS Museum’s Chinese Ceramics collection. More than 200 objects on display in this exhibition feature ceramics, jades and bronzes from the Lee Kong Chian art collection. [more info ]

PAST EVENTS
10 November 2008		PUBLIC LECTURE Who Were the Javanese Worshipping at Borobudur? Speaker: Dr. John Miksic Lecture Room, Peranakan Museum, Armenian Street, Singapore Monday 10 November 2008 @ 7pm more info
11 October 2008		“Exuberant Colours of Straits Chinese ceramics - a suggestion on their possible influence by Indonesian batik textiles”. SEACS is proud to announce an exclusive visit and preview of a private collection of rare antique Nonya ceramics at the Katong Antique House. Date: Saturday 11 October 2008 Time: 10am – 11.30am Address: Katong Antique House, 208 East Coast Road, Singapore 428907 Cost: $15 members, $18 non-members. The cost includes tea and Nonya cakes more info
21 May to 1 October 2008		exhibition \| Viet Nam ! From Myth to Modernity ACM, Empress Place, Singapore more info
6 August 2008		lecture The Classical Birds of Chinese Art Speaker: Patricia Bjaaland Welch 6 August 2008 @ 7pm Venue: Ixora Room, Peranakan Museum, Armenian Street, Singapore more info
10 July 2008		lecture Jizhou and Jingdezhen during the Song-Yuan-Ming period as seen by a local historian Speaker: Dr Anne Gerritsen Date: Thursday 10 July 2008 Time: 7pm Venue: Ixora Room, Peranakan Museum, Armenian Street, Singapore more info
9 July 2008		lecture Cham Ritual Arts Wednesday 9 July 2008 @ 7pm Ngee Ann Auditorium, ACM Empress Place more info
20 May 2008		Asia Research Institute Seminar Series Fragments of a Global Past: Local History and Global Ceramics in Pre-modern Jingdezhen Dr Anne Gerritsen Associate Professor of History, Warwick University, UK Visiting Senior Research Fellow, Asia Research Institute, National University of Singapore Date: 20 May 2008, Tuesday Time: 16:00 - 17:30 Venue: ARI Seminar Room 469A Tower Block, Level 10, Bukit Timah Road National University of Singapore @ Bukit Timah Campus more info

7 May 2008		Public Lecture "Strange Discoveries: Mysterious Artefacts in Singapore" by John Miksic Wednesday 7 May 2008, at 7.30p.m. at Ixora Room, The Peranakan Museum 39 Armenian Street, Singapore
7 May 2008		39th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE SOUTHEAST ASIAN CERAMIC SOCIETY Wednesday 7 May 2008, at 6.45 p.m. Ixora Room, The Peranakan Museum 39 Armenian Street, Singapore
3 May 2008	lecture @ ACM Empress Place	The China Affair Literati, Upper Class Women and Courtesans: Brothel and Literati Culture in Ming and Qing China Speaker: Dr Ong Chang Woei, Assistant Professor, Department of Chinese Studies, National University of Singapore Saturday 3 May 2008 2.00 pm - 4.00 pm \| @ Ngee Ann Auditorium, ACM Empress Place more info
2 April 2008	Talk organised by Southeast Asian Ceramic Society and Asian Civilisations Museum	The Cargo of the East Indiaman Götheborg Shipwreck A Talk by Borje Forssell Date: Wednesday 2 April 2008 Time: 7.00 pm Venue: The Discovery Room, Basement Level Asian Civilisations Museum, Empress Place more info
4 March 2008	Lecture and Viewing Chinese Snuff Bottles	Lecture and Viewing \| Chinese Snuff Bottles Tuesday 4 March 2008 Lecture at 7.30 pm by Jen Lyn Low, specialist in Chinese snuff bottles, London Venue: Christie’s Singapore, 501 Orchard Road, #19-03 Wheelock Place, Singapore more info
29 January 2008	Lecture Yuan Blue and White of the Red Sea	Lecture \| Yuan Blue and White of the Red Sea by Regina Krahl Date : 29 Jan 2008 Time: 7 pm Venue: Ngee Ann Auditorium, ACM, Empress Place more info
10-25 August 2007		10-25 August 2007 a series of talks organised by The Society for Chinese Ceramics Studies (SCCS) in collaboration with Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) Speaker Mr Mason Wang more info
28 July 2007	lecture	Introduction to Art Appreciation Participants will be using art works from the Singapore Art Museum permanent collection to explore ways of 'looking at art'. Date: 28 July 2007, Saturday Time: 2.00pm - 4.00pm Venue: The Cube, Singapore Art Museum, 71 Bras Basah Road, Singapore 189555 Speaker: Assistant Professor Jane Leong, National Institute of Education more info
26 July 2007	lecture	Understanding Islamic Art The speaker will take you on a tour of the Islamic world and its history. Date: 26 July 2007, Thursday Time: 7.00pm - 8.00pm Venue: Istana Hall, Malay Heritage Centre, 85 Sultan Gate, Singapore 198501 Speaker: Ms Tan Huism, Deputy Director (Curatorial and Programmes), Asian Civilisations Museum more info
26 July 2007	lecture	Introduction to Chinese Paintings and Calligraphy Discover the background to some of the most well-known names and works in Chinese art history. Date: 26 July 2007, Thursday Time: 7.00pm - 8.00pm Venue: Multi-purpose Room 2, Jalan Besar Community Club, 69 Jellicoe Road, Singapore 208737 Speaker: Mr Low Sze Wee, Assistant Director (Collections), Singapore Art Museum more info
21 July 2007	lecture	How to Care for your Keepsakes Find out how to handle and store your family heirlooms. Date: 21 July 2007, Saturday Time: 10.00am - 12.30pm Venue: Heritage Conservation Centre, 32 Jurong Port Road, Singapore 619104 Speaker: Miss Low Jyue Tyan, Assistant Registrar, Heritage Conservation Centre more info
20 July 2007	lecture	Understanding Southeast Asian Art A short guided tour of the museum's permanent collection will follow after the talk. Date: 20 July 2007, Friday Time: 7.00pm - 8.00pm Venue: The Auditorium, Singapore Art Museum, 71 Bras Basah Road, Singapore 189555 Speaker: Mr Low Sze Wee, Assistant Director (Collections), Singapore Art Museum more info
19 July 2007	lecture	Understanding the History of Indian Paintings Come discover the long-standing tradition of Indian paintings Date: 19 July 2007, Thursday Time: 7.00pm - 8.00pm Venue: Ngee Ann Auditorium, Asian Civilisations Museum, 1 Empress Place, Singapore 179555 Speaker: Ms Priya Maholay Jaradi, Assistant Curator, Asian Civilisations Museum more info
18 July 2007	lecture	Collecting Art Date: Wednesday 18 July 2007 Time: 7.00pm - 8.00pm Venue: Ngee Ann Auditorium, Asian Civilisations Museum, 1 Empress Place, Singapore 179555 Speaker: Dr Kenson Kwok, Director, Asian Civilisations Museum more info
12 July - 7 November 2007		Exhibition Chinese Snuff Bottles from the collection of Denis Low 12 July - 7 November 2007 Shaw Foundation Foyer, Asian Civilisations Museum, Empress Place, Singapore 179555 11 July 2007 @ 6.30 p.m. Launch of catalogue by Prof Tommy Koh more info on ACM website exhibition fact sheet [PDF file 624kb: depending on the speed of your internet connection, this file may take some time to open]
8 July 2007	lecture New University, Three Generations: China, Malaya, Singapore, 1949-2007 A Public Lecture by Professor Wang Gungwu in conjunction with the Official Opening of NUS Bukit Timah Campus	Sunday, 8 July 2007 \| 2.30 pm - 3.30 pm The Auditorium, Block B, Level 3 Bukit Timah Campus, NUS 469 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 259756
6 June 2007		Wednesday 6 June 2007 @ 6.00pm Fabulous Fish - Why Fish are Such an Enduringly Popular Theme lecture by Rosemary Scott @ Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce China Society members S$10; guests S$12 includes buffet dinner
5 June 2007	lecture Jade Shears & Shimmering Feathers - An Exquisite Falangcai Bowl in Its Historical & Cultural Context	Jade Shears & Shimmering Feathers - An Exquisite Falangcai Bowl in Its Historical & Cultural Context Speaker: Rosemary Scott, International Academic Director, Christie’s Inc. Tuesday 5 June 2007 7.00pm - 8.00pm @ Ngee Ann Auditorium, ACM Empress Place Join Rosemary Scott, internationally recognised authority on Chinese ceramics, as she shares her knowledge and insight on a rare falangcai bowl from the Robert Chang collection of imperial Chinese ceramics. Learn about its place in Chinese poetry and history, its relation to painting on silk and paper and the meaning of the individual motifs it bears. All public lectures are free. Registration is not required. [ more info ]
4 June 2007		Monday, 4 June 2007 7.00 to 9.00pm Celadon Room, NUS Museum Free Admission The Tang Dynasty Cargo from Belitong Speaker: Rosemary Scott In this lecture, Rosemary Scott examines what is arguably the most important cargo of Chinese artefacts to be raised from the seabed. Both the ceramics and the precious metals in the cargo will be discussed in their art historical contexts. The lecture will also address the significance of the cargo for our understanding of inter-Asian trade, and the intended destination of its most valuable items will be postulated. Rosemary Scott obtained her BA and did postgraduate research at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, where she later became Curator of the Percival David Foundation, following four years at the Burrell Collection in Glasgow. She is currently International Academic Director to the Asian Art departments at Christie's, where she undertakes research, publication and training as well as giving lectures and courses on Chinese art. She has curated a range of exhibitions and has published numerous books and articles on ceramics, lacquer and textiles. [ more info ]
5 April 2007		Porcelain for the Barbarians: Yuan Dynasty Blue and White Ceramics in Southeast Asia Thursday 5 April 2007 7.00pm - 8.00pm @ Ngee Ann Auditorium Asian Civilisations Museum, Singapore Speaker: Dr John N. Miksic, Associate Professor, Southeast Asian Studies Programme and Researcher, Asia Research Institute, National University of Singapore Although a few early experimental pieces of porcelain with cobalt blue decoration were made, this type only began to attain popularity in the early 14th century. The admirers of this ware were not Chinese, but Southeast Asians, particularly those living in the Straits of Malacca region. Fragments of about 100 artefacts of this type have been found in archaeological excavations in Singapore. This is the largest quantity of such artefacts reported from any site. Many other examples have been collected at the capital of Temasek's 14th century suzerain, Majapahit, but they were not found in research projects, so their precise context is unknown. The study of the distribution of early blue and white ware has the potential to teach us much about early commerce and culture. how to get to ACM
25 March 2007 to 1 July 2007		exhibition Trade Ceramics in Southeast Asia 25 March - 1 July 2007 @ Shaw Foundation Foyer Asian Civilisations Museum, Singapore This exhibition explores important types of ceramics that were used in the trade between China and the Southeast Asia from the 10th to 16th centuries. From translucent jade-like greenwares to elaborate blue and white wares, Chinese ceramics and their Thai and Vietnamese counterparts were highly treasured in the region. They were exchanged for exotic regional products and became an important form of cultural capital, to be used in ceremonies, as ancestral heirlooms and in burials, by local communities. [more]
23 March 2007		The Beauty of Jade Friday 23 March 2007 7.00 pm - 8.00 pm @ Ngee Ann Auditorium, Asian Civilisations Museum, Singapore Speaker: Tan Shook Fong, Friends of the Museum (Singapore) Jade has fascinated the Chinese for centuries. It was revered in ancient times for possessing magical healing powers and was associated with religious rituals. Today, it is much admired for its beauty and lustre, and is a collector's item in personal adornments as well as carved artefacts. What is this thing called "jade"? What is its history and how did the Chinese make use of it? This talk answers these questions and more.
15 March 2007 @ 8.00 pm		William Willetts Lecture 2007 Asian Ceramics in Production and Trade in Southeast Asia's 'Age of Empires' Speaker: John Guy @ Visitor's Briefing Room Level 1, National Library, Singapore John Guy is a well known specialist on Southeast Asian ceramics and trade ceramic history. He has participated in a number of ceramic site excavations in Southeast Asia, both land and maritime, and most recently spent three days at the Anlong Thom kiln site2, on Phnom Kulen, in Cambodia As excavations increase at mainland Southeast Asian sites, especially Angkor, John Guy will discuss and interpret the dating of ceramics. The findings from recent shipwreck evidence, especially the 'Intan' & 'Cirebon' (10th C) cargoes, opened up a new line of enquiry into the origin of forms and decorative styles in Southeast Asian ceramics. John Guy will discuss aspects of this in his lecture. click here for more info
15 March 2007 @ 6.45 pm		2007 SEACS Annual General Meeting @ Visitor's Briefing Room Level 1, National Library, Singapore
12-14 March 2007	Symposium Chinese Export Trade Ceramics in Southeast Asia	click here for more info
6 February 2007		lecture by Rose Kerr: The Functions of Ceramics in Song Society
10-18 January 2007 cancelled	trip to Vietnam & Cambodia	click here for report as to why this trip has been cancelled click here for proposed itinerary
5 December 2006		Date: Tuesday 5 December 2006 Time: 7.00 p.m. Venue: 82 Cairnhill Road Singapore Satay with its accompaniments will be served. Guests of members welcome. Relax and enjoy and the season! To celebrate the season, the Society is sponsoring a SATAY PARTY for members and their guests. Join us! And do come “wrapped” in something colorful (or not). We’d like to see you all. And guests will receive a holiday gift from the SEACS (while stocks last, of course).
7 November 2006		Early Civilizations of Indochina A Talk by Bruce Lockhart of NUS Date: Tuesday 7 November 2006 Time: 7.00 p.m. Venue: 82 Cairnhill Road Singapore The SEACS has scheduled a member study and cultural trip to Vietnam and Cambodia in January 2007. Our speaker is an expert on Vietnam and a professor at NUS. Please join us for an interesting and informative presentation on Vietnam, which has a rich cultural and aesthetic tradition. And we’ll talk about next January’s trip to Vietnam too! The territory, which is present-day Vietnam, has been home to several different cultures over the centuries. This talk will provide an overview of the three main civilizations: the ethnic Vietnamese (in the north), the Cham (central coast), and the Khmer (Mekong Delta and Cambodia). We will look at the architectural and archeological legacies of each of the three civilizations. about Bruce Lockhart
21 October 2006		The National Museum of Singapore will officially open to the public in December 2006. Join the SEACS for a preview guided by Tan Boon Hui. Venue: The National Museum 93 Stamford Road Singapore 178897 Meet at lobby; parking available at YMCA, SMU
26 September 2006		lecture: An Aloha on Jade, by Robyn Buntin
1-28 September 2006		Exhibition: Ceramics Beyond Borders
29 August 2006		A Comparison of Cultures: Cham (Vietnam) and Angkorian Cambodia (Cambodia) by Dr John Miksic, Assoc Professor of Southeast Asian Studies, NUS Venue: 82 Cairnhill Road Singapore 229684 Dr Miksic is a member of our society and will be talking about several ancient cultures in mainland Southeast Asia. What were they really like? What impact do they have on the cultures there today? There will be an overview of a study and cultural tour being planned by our society to Vietnam in early 2007. The trip may also include a visit to Cambodia to view ancient kilns and other sites near Siam Reap.
13 June 2006		Book Review: Thai Ceramic Art - The Three Religions
23 May 2006		Grave Robbers in Southeast Asia by Ivan Polunin Venue: 82 Cairnhill Road Singapore Until Islam and Christianity came to Southeast Asia, animists buried their dead with grave goods of which the main survivors are ceramics. This is the source of almost all surviving exported [so-called export] wares so central to the Society’s interests. Ivan Polunin will show 20 minutes of video of digging, cleaning and restoration of pots.
26 April 2006		William Willetts Lecture
26 April 2006		37th Annual General Meeting
19 April 2006		Evolution of Chinese Monochromes by Patricia Welch Venue: 82 Cairnhill Road Singapore 229684 This 50-minute talk will walk us through the history of monochromes in Chinese ceramics, beginning with the Shang Dynasty when the first primitive celadon glazes were made. The speaker will cover the two major types of monochromes: 1/ Monochrome glazes such as the celadons and the famous "sacrificial red" and "sacrificial blue" wares. 2/ Monochrome enamels including the beautiful aubergine colours and the sensational yellows. The talk will be illustrated by slides showing some of the most famous colours and pieces and be augmented by samples of monochromes from the Ming to modern times as the tradition of beautiful monochromes continues right up to this day.
21 March 2006		Understanding 17th Century Jingdezhen Export Ware by Chen Jiazi (in Mandarin with translation by Tan Teng Teng) Venue: 82 Cairnhill Road Singapore 229684 This 45-minute talk will take us to Jingdezhen in the 17th century and unravel these commonly-posed various questions: 1. What happened in the 17th century that directly influenced the ceramic production pattern in Jingdezhen? 2. Why did Jingdezhen produce so much export ware during the 17th century? 3. Why do decorations such as landscape and figures in dramatic context begin to appear on 17th century Jingdezhen ceramic? 4. Why is 17th century Jingdezhen folk ware of such high quality?
28 February 2006		Talk on Song Designs by Yvonne Tan Venue: 82 Cairnhill Road Singapore 229684 This talk is inspired by Jan Wirgin’s book on ‘Song Designs’ donated by Pamela Hickley to the society. Our speaker will explore the aesthetic themes represented by Song Dynasty’s enduring ceramic tradition. Considered a third Chinese golden age, the Song Dynasty was divided almost evenly into Northern (960 – 1126) and Southern (1127 – 1279) halves. These artistic designs continue to be classic motifs to be seen up to the present time in paintings, ceramics, wood, furniture and textiles.
16 January 2006		Talk on Clays, Glazes and Temperature in Ceramics by Tan Shook Fong Venue: 82 Cairnhill Road Singapore 229684 Tan Shook Fong is a member of our society and will be talking about where clay and glazes come from and handling of these materials. Thereafter she will discuss the types of kilns and various temperatures used in the firing of clay vessels. There will be a display of works by Chua Soo Kim and Chua Soo Khim two brother-potters. Donald–Eric Lim will be on hand after the talk to give some practical comments on the clays and glazes used by the Chua brothers.
2005		Activities Report 2005