The Jamestown Settlement is presenting programs on Saturday and February 14 in conjunction with the current special exhibition, “Following the Dragon: Chinese Porcelain in Early Jamestown.”
"Following the Dragon" is in partnership with the Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation and the collection explores the link between Colonial Virginia and imperial China. It includes Ming porcelain discovered in archaeological excavations of the 1607-1625 fort at Historic Jamestowne.
Of the more than 100 vessels found, 31 are on display, each paired with intact examples from English, Dutch and American museums and private collections from around the world. The exhibition is on display through July 12.
The programming delves further into ancient Chinese culture:
“Tragedy and Romance: Tasting the Ming Dynasty,” 4 p.m., Feb. 7
Feather Chen, a master of Chinese tea art, including tea etiquette and brewing techniques, will share the spirit of the Ming dynasty through the lens of tea in daily life. By tracing the evolution of tea drinking, the talk will show how changes in politics, aesthetics and philosophy shaped how people lived.
Chen, with roots in Yunnan, China and based in Charlottesville, is a former host at Yunnan Provincial TV and a certified Chinese tea evaluator and artist.
Chinese Seal Printing Workshop, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 14
Artist Mary Swezey will teach the ancient practice of creating a stamp used for personal identification. Following an overview of the significance of the Chinese seal (or chop), participants will translate their names into Chinese characters on paper.
The characters will be transferred to soft printmaking blocks and cut out using carving tools. The carved blocks will be inked and printed on blank greeting cards. The program is organized by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and is funded in part by the Paul Mellon Endowment and the Jean Stafford Camp Memorial Fund.
The programs are free with advance registration and are limited to 15 participants; they are designed for ages 13 and older. The “Following the Dragon” exhibition is included with Jamestown Settlement admission: $20 for adults; $10.00 for youth; children 5 and younger are free. Residents of Williamsburg, James City and York counties; William & Mary students are free with proof of residency.
Visit jyfmuseums.org for registration and more information.
