Poly Culture North America launched an exhibition, Essence in Zisha: Eastern Intangible Cultural Heritage of Yixing Stoneware, on February 17 in downtown Vancouver, presenting nearly 300 pieces of zisha artworks from 200 contemporary artisans and highlighting 10 national masters in China. This exhibition, which will last until May 31, features an unparalleled collection of contemporary zisha artworks, showcasing the unique Chinese culture and lifestyle.
As the local organizer of this zisha exhibition, Poly Culture North America has been committed to bilateral cultural exchange and international co-operation between China and North America. Since its opening, Poly Culture North America has successfully held nine significant exhibitions, such as The Antiques of the Qianlong Period: A Mirror Reflecting a Chinese Emperor’s Attitudes to the Past and the West and Exquisite Chinese Jades Throughout the Ages exhibiting the magnificent cultural heritage of China. In addition, world-class performances were also brought to Vancouver, including the Vancouver debut performance for the China Philharmonic Orchestra and the 12 Girls Band 2018 Chinese New Year Concert.
As an essential part of Poly Culture North America’s celebration of Canada-China Year of Tourism 2018, a series of events for this zisha exhibition are around the corner. In early May, a cultural exchange delegation of zisha artists will visit Canada. Poly Culture North America, along with Shi Juntang, vice-chairman of the China Ceramic Industry Association; and Xu Jianrong, executive vice-president of the China Academy of Art Zisha Institute, will jointly lead a delegation of over 40 contemporary renowned zisha artists, including five national-level zisha masters. They will share the unique charm of traditional Chinese craftsmanship as well as the stories behind the creative process with local teapot enthusiasts and collectors. Vancouver is the first stop of their tour, followed by Victoria, Calgary and Toronto.
It is the first time that such a large group of renowned zisha artists will visit Canada, presenting art enthusiasts and collectors the unseen hands behind those prominent zisha masterpieces. Their great influence and superb craftsmanship will bring profound impact to the local communities as well as Canada’s cultural industry.
Originating in the mid-Northern Song Dynasty, the teapot made of zisha clay has existed for more than 1,000 years. With the popularity of zisha stoneware, it serves not only as tea ware, but also as an art carrier of the potter’s emotions and creativities. Listed as a national intangible cultural heritage, the age-old craftsmanship of zisha stoneware remains esoteric and mysterious.
Following this zisha master delegation’s visit to Canada, Poly Culture North America will organize other events for this exhibition, such as Zisha Art and Culture Salon, a demonstration of the zisha teapot-making process, and VIP tea-tasting activities, before the end of this exhibition on May 31. Please visit www.polyculture.us for more information.
Exhibition details:
Address: 100 – 905 West Pender Street, Vancouver, BC
Date: February 17 to May 31, 2018
Admission is free of charge.
