China, Shanxi Province, “Humility brings prosperity” Wooden Gate, 1858, original site in Shanxi province

Beyond the Forbidden City: Encounters with Chinese Architecture at Mia

Join us for an introduction to Chinese architecture surveying works in Mia’s collection, including the recently installed wooden gate from Shanxi province. Dating from 1858, this imposing structure would have formed the entrance into the main courtyard of a middle-class urban family’s home. Traditional carpenters from China have reassembled the gate using only joineries and wooden pins. It now serves as the main entrance to Mia’s Chinese art galleries. A doorway inscription: 履謙漸豐 (“Humility brings prosperity”) appears on the gate.

Nancy Steinhardt, PhD, is the Department Chair and Professor of East Asian Art at the University of Pennsylvania. She is also the curator of Chinese art at the Penn Museum.

Generous support provided by Gale Family Endowment.

$10; $5 My Mia members, free for Asian Art Affinity Group members. Click here for tickets.

China, Shanxi Province, “Humility brings prosperity” Wooden Gate, 1858, original site in Shanxi province