Heritage Museum of Asian Art

03/13/2020

Due to the Coronavirus outbreak, The Heritage Museum of Asian Art will be closed to the public from March 14, 2020, until further notice. We strongly believe that we must do all that we can to ensure a safe and healthy environment for our community, which at this time calls for us to minimize gatherings while maintaining the cleanest environment possible. The Museum sincerely apologize for the inconvenience, but the health and well-being of our guest, staff, and community are our primary concern.

12/05/2019

20% off everything in the gift shop! One day only! Tomorrow, Friday December 6th. We are also open late for our Holiday Open House from 5 to 8pm, but the sale is all day! #holidayseason #giftideas #chicago

12/04/2019

Standing Female Attendant
Wood and pigment, 54cm tall
late 7th – early 8th century, Tang dynasty 唐 (618-907), China
For the thousands of years that China was ruled by emperors, women were treated as inferiors and little more than servants to men. The Tang dynasty (618–907) was more liberal-minded and is the exception to this. Women were aloud to drink wine and sing in taverns, ride horses, and even compete against men in polo. Women also achieved religious authority by becoming Daoist priestesses and head mistresses of the bordellos gained large amounts of wealth and power. Their high class courtesans were well respected, known as great singers and poets, and supervised the court banquets.
This fashionable female attendant is dressed in the Tang dynasty court style. Although pigments are lost, her face is beautiful with a serene expression. She gently holds a spherical vessel in her delicately rendered hands. She wears a red painted shawl with traces of gilt across her shoulders and right arm. Her short decollete long sleeved jacket has gold painted cuffs with matching gilding at the neck and around the waist all overpainted with a scrolling floral motif in red and black. She wears a high-waisted long skirt, with scattered traces of red, green and black decoration. Under the flared hem, the upturned toes of her shoes protrude slightly. Her hair is gathered up into the bun characteristic of the other related members of a group of elegant female wooden tomb figures, several of which hold different types of wine vessels.
On loan from the MacLean Collection. Now on display as our “Treasure of the Month.” Every month we will put a new object on display in this center case, so hopefully there is always something new when you visit!

#asianart #artexhibition #exhibition #chicago @ Heritage Museum of Asian Art

11/14/2019

Samurai
Bronze, 68 inches tall, 19th/20th century, Japan
Samurai were a class of highly skilled warriors that arose in Japan in the 7th century AD, when government reforms included land redistribution and heavy new taxes meant to create an elaborate Chinese-style empire. Over time, a few large landholders amassed power and wealth, creating a feudal system similar to that of medieval Europe. To defend their riches, Japanese feudal lords hired the first samurai warriors.
Animal motifs are often found on the helmets of these warriors. This samurai has a fish on his helmet and holds a pole topped with a shachihoko. Shachihoko are the Japanese version of makara, a mythical fish-like dragon of Hindu origins. They are found on rooftop tiles in east Asia, where they are said to spit water from their mouths protecting the building from fire. This piece was a recent gift to the museum and is now on display.
#art #samurai #warrior #chicagoart
@ Heritage Museum of Asian Art

11/13/2019

We had a group of visitors from the Chinese American Service League stop by the museum today! If you have a group you would like to bring to the museum for a tour, or just a visit, contact the museum staff!

11/12/2019

Tune into NBC% 5 o'clock news. They will discuss our new free admission policy, and fundraising efforts!

11/07/2019

Dainichi Nyorai
大日如来
Supreme Buddha of the Cosmos.
The life force who illuminates the universe.
Dainichi is the main deity of reverence in Japan’s Shingon Buddhism.
He is usually identifiable by his “Six Elements” hand position.
The five fingers of the right hand grasps the left index finger.
In Shingon, the five elements: Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space are combined with a sixth element, the Mind.
The Mind (index finger) is said to make the other elements possible.
Dainichi Nyorai, iron with gilding, 27cm tall, 17-18th century, Japan.

#buddha #zen #art

10/24/2019

Jade Dragons 玉龍
Early Chinese cultures worshiped dragons.
It was believed dragons were gods of water, that lived in the clouds and controlled the rain.
With rain necessary for a successful crop, worship of the dragon was important.
Noblemen from the Warring States Period (476 –221 BC) wore these dragon pendants carved from precious jade.
A common decoration on these jades is this “sprouting grain” pattern.

#jade #art #chicago #free #exhibition

10/17/2019

Kensu Oshô painting 蜆子
Kanō Masanobu 狩野 正信 1434 - 1530
ink on silk, 33 x 98cm, 15th-16th century, Japan
Kensu Oshô, was a traveling ascetic priest, who broke the Buddhist teaching of vegetarianism by living on a daily diet of shrimp (and shellfish) he caught himself. He is said to have attained enlightenment while catching shrimp. He was a legendary monk who disregarded Buddhist vegetarian rules and nourished himself on crayfish and shells.
Kanō Masanobu 狩野 正信 (1434 - 1530) was a Japanese painter.Kano Masanobu specialized in elaborate paintings of Buddhist deities and Bodhisattvas.As an artist Masanobu, he received the bulk of his artistic education under Shubun. Masanobu worked in the suiboku style, derived from Chinese painting, but added a Japanese touch to the style with more defined forms.

On loan from Drs. Edmund and Julie Lewis. Now on display as part of the exhibition, “Path to Enlightenment: Buddhist and Religious Art of Japan”
#buddhism #enlightenment #asianart #japan #painting #japanart #museums #chicago @ Heritage Museum of Asian Art

10/13/2019

Fudō Myō-ō 不動明王
bronze, 16cm tall, 14-15th century, Japan
Fudō Myō-ō is a dharmapāla (protector of knowledge) and a Wisdom King. Wisdom Kings are third in Buddhist hierarchy behind Buddha and bodhisattvas. He is usually depicted with a sword of wisdom in one hand, a coiled rope in the other hand, and surrounded by flames. He is said to cut through ignorance with the sword and bind violent emotions with the rope, while the surrounding flames consume evil.
On loan from Drs. Edmund and Julie Lewis
Exhibiting now in “The Path to Enlightenment: Religious and Buddhist Art of Japan”

#buddha #japaneseart #japan #artexhibition #freechicago

10/12/2019

Just a reminder admission is now free. Your donations help us remain free! Consider donating today. Link to our GoFundMe in our biography. #gofundme #freechicago #free #chicago

10/03/2019

Dragon Sculptures
bronze, various sizes, Meiji Era (1868-1912), Japan
The styling of Japanese dragons is heavily influenced by Chinese dragons. One distinguishing characteristic is the Japanese dragon has three claws rather than the four or Imperial five-clawed dragon. Like the Chinese dragon, the Japanese dragon is associated with water. In Shintoism, the native religion of Japan, the dragon is connected to agricultural rituals, rain prayers, and the success of fisherman.
On loan from the Kinsey International Art Foundation. Now on display as part of our Fall 2019 Japanese exhibitions.

#chicago #japan # dragons #exhibition #asianart @ Heritage Museum of Asian Art

10/02/2019

Daruma

Daruma (Bodhidharma) was an Indian or Central Asian Buddhist monk who lived during the 5th/6th century and is credited with the spread of Chan Buddhism in China, which became Zen Buddhism in Japan. Zen is said to be influenced by Taoist philosophy.
This figure of Daruma is now on display as part of our Fall 2019 exhibit "Path to Enlightenment: Buddhist and Religious Art of Japan."

10/02/2019

Parinirvana of Buddha Shakyamuni (The Death of Buddha)
Details, ink, color, and gold on silk, 53 x 86in, 19th/20th century, Japan
The life story of the Buddha is central to Buddhism, and often illustrated. His death is particularly captivating for the religious, for it is upon his death that the Buddha is said to have achieved parinirvana or nirvana-after-death, the ultimate goal of an enlightened being.
Men and women of every class are present, along with about thirty animals, most not standing and weeping as signs of grief. Even the blossoms of the trees change hue. Bodhisattvas, who have achieved the spiritual enlightenment of Buddhahood, show a solemn serenity not shared by the lesser beings. Multilimbed Hindu deities, and a Chinese lion are also present, representing a broader interest in Buddhism. Queen Maya, mother of the Buddha, descends weeping from the upper right.
This painting’s iconic composition can be found in a painting dated to 1086, currently located in Koyasan Japan.
#buddha #buddhism #nirvana #art #exhibit #chicago

10/02/2019

Parinirvana of Buddha Shakyamuni (The Death of Buddha)
Details, ink, color, and gold on silk, 53 x 86in, 19th/20th century, Japan
The life story of the Buddha is central to Buddhism, and often illustrated. His death is particularly captivating for the religious, for it is upon his death that the Buddha is said to have achieved parinirvana or nirvana-after-death, the ultimate goal of an enlightened being.
Men and women of every class are present, along with about thirty animals, most not standing and weeping as signs of grief. Even the blossoms of the trees change hue. Bodhisattvas, who have achieved the spiritual enlightenment of Buddhahood, show a solemn serenity not shared by the lesser beings. Multilimbed Hindu deities, and a Chinese lion are also present, representing a broader interest in Buddhism. Queen Maya, mother of the Buddha, descends weeping from the upper right.
This painting’s iconic composition can be found in a painting dated to 1086, currently located in Koyasan Japan.
#buddha #buddhism #nirvana #art #exhibit #chicago @ Heritage Museum of Asian Art

09/28/2019

Wentletrap Seashell, amber, ~ 5cm, Kiho Takagi (1957- ), Japan
In amber Kiho has carved a seashell known as the “Precious Wentletrap”. (Wentletrap is a Dutch word meaning “winding staircase”) In the seventeenth century these seashells were considered the most rare and most beautiful shells in the world by wealthy European aristocrats who paid huge sum of money for them. Modern scuba diving has made it possible to retrieve many of these shells in Asian waters, and they no longer are rare or expensive.
On loan from the Kinsey International Arts Foundation.
Now on display in our Fall 2019 Exhibition “Contemporary Netsuke: Kiho Takagi and Other Artists” #japan #art

09/27/2019

Seven Hotei Netsuke Inspired by Jakuchu Painting, boxwood, ~ 5cm, Kiho Takagi (1957- ), Japan
Hotei, also known as Bodai, or “Laughing Buddha”, or “Fat Buddha”, was an alleged 10th century Chinese Buddhist monk, who was venerated into a deity in Chinese and Japanese Buddhism. Inspired by a Jakuchu painting, this figure of Hotei has six more carved onto the back, making a lucky seven.
On loan from the Kinsey International Arts Foundation.
Now on display in our Fall 2019 Exhibition “Contemporary Netsuke: Kiho Takagi and Other Artists” #buddha #art #freechicago #japan #chicago

09/24/2019

Click here to support Help Keep Chicago’s Asian Art Museum Free organized by Heritage Museum

Admission to Heritage is now Free!
Heritage Museum of Asian Art is proud to now offer free admission for all visitors to the museum. We are hopeful that this new policy will generate more visitors to and interest in our museum, especially from local Chicagoans. To support this mission, we have launched a GoFundMe campaign with the goal of raising one year of operating costs, in one year!

Heritage Museum Help Keep Chicago’s Asian Art Museum Free Heritage Museum of Asian Art is a nonprofit museum and research library that houses an unparalleled

09/13/2019

Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!
Heritage Museum of Asian Art is giving away free mooncakes today, and the rest of the weekend! We also still have space left in our paper cut demonstration this Sunday! Hope to see you soon!

07/06/2019

Drum
Bronze, H. 23 x D. 28 cm
1st century BCE, Dong Son Culture, Vietnam
Bronze drums are the most characteristically representative artifacts of the Dong Son culture. They are believed to have represented symbols of legitimacy and authority presented to regional political entities. Cast using a unique single-pour, lost-wax process, this drum carries the decorative motifs typical of Dong Son drums, such as multi-pointed sunbursts in the center of the tympanum. This drum has an eight-pointed example in the center of the tympanum, surrounded by alternating bands of saw tooth patterns, birds, and beaded designs. In addition, the side of the drum has boats carrying shamen wearing spectacular feather headdresses.

On loan from the MacLean Collection. Now on display.

#museum #exhibition #chicago #chinatown #vietnam #art @ Heritage Museum of Asian Art

06/26/2019

Shrine with Buddhist Trinity
Bronze, H. 47 cm
ca. 12th century, Thailand
This Buddha triad altarpiece was cast with three images of Buddha each seated in the lotus position with hands in mediation and earth-touching gestures. The setting of stepped pedestal supported by nine lions and arches ending in snake head terminals and temple pilasters holding up the tri-lobed niche represent the architectural style favored by Khmer rulers. The trinity is encircled by an aureole of stylized flames, surmounted by leafy branches of the Bo tree rising to a peak, an icon symbolizing Buddha’s enlightenment.

On loan from the MacLean Collection. On display in our Southeast Asian Exhibition. #buddha #buddhism #asianart #art #exhibition #chicago #chinatown @ Heritage Museum of Asian Art

06/21/2019

Parshvanatha, Carved sandstone, 10th-11th century, Rajasthan, India
In the Jainist religion, Parshvanatha is the 23rd of 24 tirthankaras, or spiritual teachers. He is believed to have lived somewhere between 9th and 7th century BC in India. In this stone carving he is depicted surrounded by a mandala of various attendants.

This recent gift to the museum from Ms Susan Piser, in memory of Lilly Weyler, is now on display in our Indian Stone Sculpture exhibit.

#sculpture #asianart #stonesculpture #chicago #chinatown @ Heritage Museum of Asian Art

06/20/2019

Dragon Boat Race for Literacy, this Saturday June 22, 2019. Ping Tom Memorial Park, 8am to 5pm. A trolly will take visitors around Chinatown and stop in front of the museum!
#dragonboat #dragonboatfestival #art #chinatown #museum

06/13/2019

Heritage Museum of Asian Art is a welcoming place for visitors from all around the world, as well as for our local Chinatown community. We will not tolerate hate, bigotry, discrimination, or harassment of any form in our environment. Individuals engaging in such behavior will will be removed from the museum. If you are aware of any such behavior in our museum or at any of our events please contact museum staff immediately.

05/31/2019

Our Magic at Heritage!
event is in one week! It is sure to be a great evening thanks to our generous sponsors!
Food for the evening will be provided by TAO Chicago
The raffle will feature an Apple iPad courtesy of American Fujian Business Association of Chicago
Dinner for 10 is included in the raffle and wine for the event courtesy of Triple Crown Restaurant
Goodies for our gift bag, courtesy of Truong Enterprises Inc
Beer courtesy of Lagunitas Brewing Company Chicago
Gift certificates to raffle courtesy of Evergreen Restaurant, Bonchon , Tous Les Jours , and Naoki Sushi and Oyster Bah courtesy of Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants .
We also would like to thank Miss Chinese Chicago Pageant for their support of our event!

05/18/2019

Bowl
Stoneware with translucent cream and iron-black underglaze, D. 28 cm
15th century, Sukhothai, Thailand
Between the 13th and 16th centuries, ceramic wares from the hundreds of kilns located along the Yom River in Si Satchanalai as well as from Sukhothai city were exported in vast quantities to Indonesia and the Philippines where demand was great.

On loan from James E. Breece III. Now on display as part of our summer SEA exhibitions.

#exhibition #chinatown #chicagoart #art #artexibition #asianart #ceramics #chicago @ Heritage Museum of Asian Art

05/09/2019

Vishnu on Garuda
Bronze, H. 11.5 cm
12th-13th century, Cambodia
This bronze finial originally surmounted a Khmer battle standard. The Hindu god Vishnu stands atop the mythical divine half bird half human deity Garuda. Garuda, a remover of obstacles in religious attainment, is shown standing with one foot forward, arms and wings raised in an animated pose ready for battle. Vishnu stands with four arms holding his attributes of a wheel of law (chakra), a mace, and a conch shell. His lower proper right hand shows the gift-bestowing gesture. He too stands with his left leg forward in a pose ready to spring into action.

On loan from the MacLean Collection. Now on display in our Southeast Asia Exhibitions.

#chicagoart #vishnu #asianart #chinatown #exhibition #art #asianart #sculpture @ Heritage Museum of Asian Art