I’ll be adding some dragon pictures from my July Chicago trip quite soon, once I’ve uploaded and optimized them.
I was thinking of visiting the Met Museum and The Morgan Library & Museum in NYC at some point. The hotel prices were quite scary so I’m just browsing for now.
My post-covid recovery has been plodding along. I hope to ease back into my normal exercise and yoga routine in the not-too-distant future.
READ MORE:
- My Art at German Dragon Museum (Year of the Dragon)
- QnA with Marin Murakoshi on a “Year of the Dragon” sculpture
Museum Exhibitions
I came across several 2024 “Year of the Dragon” art exhibitions online recently.
Here’s a selection of them.
Met Museum (NYC)
This one at the Met is going on till January 2025, so be sure to check it out if you’re in the area!
About: This exhibition assembles a remarkable selection of more than twenty works from the Museum’s permanent collection that depict [the] significant role that the dragon plays as a:
- symbol of imperial authority
- dynamic force to dispel evil influences
- benevolent deity that brings auspicious rain to all life on earth
Website: Met / Exhibition: Celebrating the Year of the Dragon
China
7th century
China
late 6th century
China
16th century
From left to right:
- Mirror: The four creatures on the back of this mirror refer to symbols of the cardinal directions: the blue dragon of the east, the white tiger of the west, the red bird of the south, and the dark entwined snake and tortoise of the north.
(View full object record) - Rhyton: This cup, modeled after a rhyton, or drinking horn, reflects the influence of ancient Persian metalwork.The high-fired white stoneware and clear glaze exemplify China’s advanced ceramic technology in the sixth century.
(View full object record) - Medallion: The vibrant colors and dense design of this roundel reflect late Ming court taste.
(View full object record)
Yale University Art Gallery (New Haven, CT)
About: The objects on view feature dragons on folding screens, other paintings, textiles, ceramics, ivory, and woodblock prints. Taking inspiration from East Asian history, folklore, and myth, these works demonstrate a long, complex, and continuing artistic tradition around this fantastical creature. Open till 10 November, 2024.
“Dragon with Crystal Ball” is one of the items in the exhibition. Estimated to have been created during the 17th–19th century.
The dragon is a carved ivory stand.
Website: Yale University Art Gallery
READ MORE: Boston Dragon Photos
Smithsonian (Washington, DC)
About: Here you can explore dragon-related content from across the Smithsonian from a variety of cultures.
Website: Smithsonian (Year of the Dragon)
Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
From left to right:
- Hand Mirror: Manufacturer – Lianchang, Chinese, active in Shanghai c. 1900-1940. Research of item is in progress. The back is ornamented with a repoussé decoration of a large Chinese dragon on a textured ground.
(View full object record) - Studies of a Dragon: Two winged snake-like dragons and six heads of each are shown. ca. 1560–1600
(View full object record)
READ MORE: Dragon Travel Photos
Tokyo National Museum
About: This exhibition introduces a variety of objects that feature dragons, a popular motif in Asian painting and calligraphy. Dragons are often powerful and imposing, but they can also be humorous.
Website: Tokyo National Museum
From left to right:
- Foliate Tray with a Dragon and Waves – Yuan dynasty, 14th century (Important Cultural Property)
- Two Large Calligraphy Characters: “Dragon” and “Tiger” – by Emperor Goyōzei (1571–1617)
- Articulated Dragon – by Satomi Shigeyoshi, Meiji era, 20th century
READ MORE: Japanese Dragons | Japanese Bomber Jackets
Shanghai Museum
About: The exhibition was named “Longing for Spring: A Celebration of the Year of the Dragon.”
Together with Liaoning Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology and Xi’an Museum, we present eight different dragon-shaped cultural relics in different periods.
[Recognizing] the dragon as an emblem of the splendid Chinese civilization, we descendants of the dragon shall carry forward the pioneering spirit of the Chinese nation.
Website: Shanghai Museum
Image: Gold Dragon, Tang dynasty (618-907). Unearthed from Guojiatan village in Xi’an, Shaanxi province in 1971.
READ MORE: Chinese Dragons | Asian Dragon Quotes
Bonus #1: Natural History Museum LA County
Celebrate the 2024 Lunar New Year with highlights from this awesome collection by Natural History Museum: LA County.
Bonus #2: Reddit thread (dragon Qing dynasty flags)
Related to the link and image above, here’s a thread with surviving dragon Qing dynasty flags.
Note: The official Qing dynasty flag can be viewed on our previous posts—