Museum a vessel for Chinese ceramics show

A DIVERSE array of traditional Chinese ceramics from the late Qing dynasty will be on display at the Golden Dragon Museum until 6 September.

Daily Traditions: Chinese Ceramics in 19th and 20th Century Victoria features pieces on loan from a private collection.

The exhibition is the first put together by the museum’s recently appointed curator Fiona Kinsey, highlighting the historical significance of the Chinese pottery industry dating back thousands of years.

On display are green, floral, and blue and white kitchen qing tableware pieces and functional brown storage vessels, examples of what were used in regional Victoria from the mid-1800s to the mid-1900s.

The display aims to spotlight Chinese diaspora life and the influence of Chinese design in wider Australian society.

“I started at Golden Dragon Museum late last year and am thrilled to be able to work with a Collection that has such depth and quality,” Ms Kinsey said.

“One of the features of temporary exhibitions and why they are so vital to a successful museum’s program is that they allow museum staff, especially curators, to engage with the community, telling their stories and providing new insights.

“Temporary exhibitions also enliven and educate more generally.

“I am excited to present Daily Traditions: Chinese Ceramics in 19th and 20th Century Victoria as my first exhibition at the Museum.

“I am indebted to the private collector who worked so intensely with me over a relatively short period of time to include such significant pieces and unique examples from their treasured collection.”

A program of associated activities supported by the City of Greater Bendigo including tours, talks and lectures will be presented throughout the exhibition’s run.

Golden Dragon Museum CEO Hugo Leschen thanked the private collector for their generosity.

“At its core, Golden Dragon Museum showcases Bendigo’s Chinese heritage and provides a broader context into the lives and history of the local Chinese community which has made such a significant contribution to the town and region for well over 150 years,” he said.

“With Fiona Kinsey, a highly qualified and experienced curator, now part of the small Museum team, we have the capacity to delve more deeply into this fascinating history and to better learn and share the stories that it holds.

“I would like to thank the private collector for their generosity in allowing us access to their collection and to the City of Greater Bendigo for its on-going support of the Museum, especially our community engagement program.”

The Golden Dragon Museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9.30am to 5pm.