Detail: This exhibition will feature about 70 vessels, weapons, and other ancient bronzes that span the 18th through 3rd centuries B.C., from the dawn of dynastic China through the reign of the First Emperor. Assembled by Katherine and George Fan over more than 20 years, this collection is especially distinguished for its large number of ceremonial vessels cast with inscriptions, which range from simple pictographs to detailed accounts of military campaigns and honors bestowed upon important officials. Together, these inscriptions provide primary evidence for ritual beliefs, historical events, and the evolution of one of the world's earliest writing systems.
Dr. George Fan, a former professor of engineering, serves as an adviser to the Shanghai Museum. Katherine Hu Fan is an accomplished painter whose work combines Chinese and Western influences. Their collection is known by the "studio" name of Shouyang. In pre-modern China, the studio designated a private library or other space reserved by scholars, writers, and artists for study and creativity.
In conjunction with this exhibition, the Creel Center for Chinese Paleography of the University of Chicago will host a three-day academic conference from November 5–7. This meeting will bring together major art historians and paleographers from the United States, Europe, and China. The first day will convene at the Art Institute and is cosponsored by the University of Chicago. Sessions on November 6 and 7 will convene at the University of Chicago.