Bowers Museum of Cultural Arts

In the Special Exhibits Gallery:

Jade: Ch'ing Dynasty Treasures from the
National Museum of History, Taiwan
September 7, 1997 to March 1, 1998

This important exhibition consists of approximately 22 works selected from the National Museum's collection, as well as from many fine private collections in Taiwan. Examples of the art to be showcased include paper-thin Hindustani jade accessories, table screens, scepters, objects used by Chinese scholars, and jade adornments. This exhibit is co-curated by Pauline Kao and Peter C. Keller.

and

In the Leo Freedman Foundation Gallery:

Contemporary Netsuke:
Miniature Sculpture from Japan and Beyond
Held over indefinitely

A display of more than 500 carvings by 100 contemporary netsuke artists from throughout the world. Netsuke, now a fascinating international art form in the field of miniature sculpture, originated centuries ago as a utilitarian Japanese craft. This exhibition of contemporary netsuke and related accessories is by far the largest ever to be shown anywhere. Organized by Dr. Janet Baker, Bowers Museum Curator of Asian Art.

In the Mary M. Muth Gallery:

Partners in Illusion: William and Alberta McCloskey

Exquisitely detailed still lifes and revealing portraits by William and Alberta Binford McCloskey are once again gaining acclaim in American art circles. The result of meticulous research, this exhibition curated by California art expert Nancy Moure highlights paintingas from an impressive body of work created by the husband and wife team that made its mark on America art history.

In the Oceanic Gallery:

Realm of the Ancestors: Arts of Oceania

Sculpture, artifacts, ritual objects and clothing of the ancient argonauts traveling the islands of Southeast Asia and Pacific Oceania.

In the Janice Frey Smith Hall:

Power and Creation: Africa Beyond the Nile

An illuminating selection from the Bowers extensive collection of sculpture and artifacts from sub-Saharan Africa.

In the Richard P. Ettinger Hall
of Native American Art:

Arts of Native America

Southwestern ceramics and textiles, Northwest wood scuplture, brilliant California basketry and steatite carvings are displayed along with the dazzling beadwork of the Plains Culture.

In the Precolombian Galleries:

Vision of the Shaman: Song of the Priest

Ancient ceramics and stone artworks of pre-Columbian Mexico and Central America.

In the Ruth Segerstrom, David and May Hsu,
Gloria and Si Fluor Galleries:

California Legacies

A variety of exhibits illustrate the rich, colorful and diverse history of the people who settled first settled the West and Orange County.