the East | ArtHistorical Events

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Library of On Demand Talks
relating to

The Art of the East

Little Luxuries: 18th century English Ceramics
This week Hattie will show us the wonderful variety of ceramics produced in 18th century England: From Chelsea to Wedgewood!
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Hokusai’s influence
Katsushika Hokusai (葛飾北斎) was a prolific artist whose influence has stretched across international borders & centuries. This talk will introduce his artistic practice and some of his most famous artworks before discussing his impact on art in the West, particularly the work of Monet and Van Gogh.
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Little Luxuries: The Lure of Cathay
This lecture will give you an overview of the objects imported to Europe from Asia from the 16th century. We will look at textiles, furniture and porcelain and discuss their impact on European interiors, dress and artistic movements.
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Little Luxuries: 18th century Parisian Shopping
The Marchand Merciers of Paris provided the wealthy aristocrats of France with luxury goods. From small shops merchants sold exquisite & costly objects often imported from Asia but given a distinct French taste. We'll discuss the importance of women patrons like Mm de Pompadour & Marie Antoinette.
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Heavenly Blues: Mineral Colours in Ancient and Medieval Art.
This lecture will provide an overview of different mineral & chemical blues, their role in trade, and a focus on the finer points of using precious Lapis Lazuli as a pigment.
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Porcelain Mania
Marco Polo bought the 1st tiny example of porcelain to Europe in the 13th century. This tiny exquisite object, so unlike European ceramics precipitated the pursuit of European-made porcelain which would pre-occupy powerful men, potters & scientists for centuries. more info below
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Japonisme: the influence of Japan on western art and design in the late 19th early 20th centuries
Following the 1850s opening of Japan to foreigners the west got their 1st taste of Japanese art & design which sparked an influence far wider than the Japanese themselves would realise. This lecture will show examples from Degas to vanGogh to decorative arts such as ceramics and textiles.
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Rivers of Gold: Mineral Colours in Ancient and Medieval Art
This lecture is part of a series on Mineral Colours in Ancient and Medieval Art and will explore a network of history, myth, and ancient technology, as well as a first-hand experience of the use of gold as a pigment in art.
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Green Serene: Mineral Colours in Ancient and Medieval Art
This lecture is part of a series on Mineral Colours in Ancient and Medieval Art, and will tell us all about the use and symbolism of green pigments and minerals, particularly in the context of the Islamic world. More information below!
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Red Metal: Mineral Colours in Ancient and Medieval Art.
This lecture is about the complex history of the powerful red mineral pigments -vermilion, red lead, and haematite. We will consider their integral role in the history of alchemy and philosophy as well as industry, and how this impacted on their use in painting across cultures.
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Byzantium to Venice: A Journey through Glass via the Islamic Near East and Egypt
Tracing the development of the luxury glass industry from late antiquity and the state-controlled industries of Byzantium in the Near East & Egypt, through magnificent productions under medieval Islamic rulers, to the legendary Venetian glass artists of Murano from the Renaissance to the present day
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“Like the Light of the Sun”: The story of Lustreware from Caliphs to Aesthetes
This lecture traces the story of iridescent lustreware from its invention under the Caliphs of Baghdad, through medieval trade with Europe and the development of Spanish Majolica, to its revival under the Aesthetic movements of 19th century Europe.
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The Golden Age of Iznik Ceramics: The Ottoman answer to Chinese Blue and White Porcelain
In this lecture we will trace the evolution of Iznik Ceramics. The patterns, sources and innovations under successive design directors at the Topkapi Sarayi studios, finishing with their enduring impact during subsequent centuries.
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“Robes of Honour”: The Decorative Arts of Luxury Silk-weaving in the Islamic World
Sericulture & Silk-weaving was introduced in the Middle & Near East as early as the 6th c. C.E. via trade links between Central Asia & China. This lecture will look at the development under Islamic dynasties, and how Mediterranean trade shaped European tastes and inspired new silk weaving centres.
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Art & History of Indian Painted Cottons and their impact on World Trade
Anita will be looking at the Decorative Arts of Painted Cotton, and their development in India, their impact on taste and fashion in Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries, and how this fuelled manufacture for the mass market.
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