platter

Summary

Public: Large rectangular platter, earthenware, transfer-printed on upper surface with blue 'Willow' pattern. Private: Large rectangular platter with steep sloping sides and wide rim. Printed in well with Chinese inspired Willow pattern, pagoda and trees on banks of a river, prominent willow tree leaning over the water. Small bridge at bottom of composition with three figures on it, boat higher up in the water, small island in top left hand corner. In centre at the top two birds with wings outspread, facing each other. Surrounded by elaborate borders of diaper grounds, key fret patterns and foliate scrolls.

Display Label

Eastern Exchanges: Craft and Design from East Asia 2 April - 31 May 2015 The ceramics, metalwork, jade, silk and lacquer of East Asia, have been admired and imitated by the West since the late 1600s and many of today’s most exciting international designer makers use East Asian traditions as a springboard for innovation. In the East, crafts have always been thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated. Thoughtfully designed objects, made by skilled hands enhanced East Asian life at all levels of society and even everyday storage jars and plant pots represented an opportunity for artistry. But craft was not merely useful: it also expressed identity, philosophical ideas and spirituality. Respect for tradition is all important in the East, and the region’s rich if sometimes daunting craft heritage is evolving through integration of new ideas and international influences. This exhibition highlights this dynamic process: treasures collected by Manchester’s pioneering connoisseurs of East Asian art meet today’s most exciting designer makers. [Manchester Art Gallery mark] [Manchester City Council Logo] [Korea Foundation Logo] [Sasakawa Foundation Logo] [Japan Foundation Logo]