Dragons Revisited
In Memory of Charles Kinsey

The Heritage Museum of Asian Art is proud to present our new exhibition, “Dragons Revisited: In Memory of Charles Kinsey.” This exhibition will shine a light on magnificent East Asian treasures that represent the famed mythological creature, the dragon; featured pieces include robes and porcelain from the Qing dynasty as well as bronzes and iron sculptures from Japan. It is a great honor to once again showcase this concept in our galleries after our inaugural dragon-themed exhibition in 2017, this time in memory of our dearly departed friend, Charles Kinsey.

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In Chinese culture, dragons represent power, nobility, and divinity; dragons were renowned as a symbol of emperors. The Dragon Robes on display in our exhibition features exquisite embroidery and craftsmanship from the time of the Qing dynasty. In addition, we have also curated a circular blue and white porcelain Dragon Plaque, a significant emblem of imperial authority and power. Through these precious artifacts, you will gain deeper insights into the history and cultural background of the Qing dynasty.

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Furthermore, we also have on display a variety of pieces that showcase the unique charm of Japanese art, including bronze incense burners, a temple bell, and dragon sculptures of bronze and iron. The Incense Burners are a masterpiece of bronze casting, representing the pinnacle of traditional Japanese craftsmanship, while the Temple Bell is an important religious instrument, regarded as an integral component of traditional Japanese music. Both pieces are acclaimed for their ornately detailed dragon engravings. Lastly, our collection of dragon sculptures highlights the unique style of Japanese dragons in comparison to their Chinese counterparts. Through meticulous details and imagery, you will understand the profound cultural connotations of Japanese art.

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Through the exhibition, "Dragons Revisited: In Memory of Charles Kinsey," we aim to capture the historical significance of dragons in Asian culture and allow visitors to personally experience the charm and artistic beauty of Chinese and Japanese traditional arts.