Touring Exhibition: From China to Arabia
From China to Arabia:
Ancient Treasure Ships and the Great Oman Voyage
The Museum of East Asian Art is taking part in the National Geographic exhibition “From China to Arabia: Ancient Treasure Ships and the Great Oman Voyage”. Currently touring Oman, this exhibition is co-curated by MEAA Curator, Michel Lee.
About the Exhibition:
The exhibition showcases more than 90 artefacts from the MEAA, as well as objects from the Bait Al Zubair Museum in Muscat, Oman and ancient Chinese ceramics from the Sultanate’s Ministry of Heritage & Culture. This is a compelling exhibition of rare treasures dating from the 9th century AD through to the height of trade in 16th century AD, and references the recent discovery of an Arab shipwreck off the coast of Indonesia in 1998. This discovery proves for the first time that China was trading with the world along the Maritime Silk Route 200 years before it was ever documented. The exhibition features objects that would have been carried on the ancient treasure ships that sailed the great Maritime Silk Route.
Find out more on the exhibition’s website – Ancient Treasure Ships!
Singapore. 25th June 2010 – 18th July 2010:
The Singapore leg of the exhibition was housed in its purpose built exhibition space, erected in The Central Court of Singapore’s VivoCity shopping mall. Bringing to life the unique museum-in-a-mall concept, The Central Court was be transformed into a 3,000 sq ft museum for shoppers and museum enthusiasts to appreciate world-class art, culture and history in an unusual mall setting. “This exhibition is set to change the way we look at malls,” says Chang Yeng Cheong, General Manager of VivoCity. “As the biggest mall in Singapore, we are looking forward to presenting an exciting world-first event of this stature to our shoppers. This is in keeping with our philosophy that VivoCity is not just about shopping but embracing art as an integral part of our total lifestyle experience.”
Click on the images to see: Setting up the exhibition; displays from the exhibition; the grand opening of the exhibition by MEAA Founder Brian McElney and representatives from National Geographic and the Omani Government; MEAA Curator Michel Lee leading a tour of the exhibition.
Muscat, Oman. 14th December 2010 - 18th February 2011:
Whilst in Muscat, based at the Qurum City Centre Mall, the exhibition was visited by Ban Ki Moon, the Secretary General of the United Nations. He wrote in the visitor’s book:
“Having seen the exhibition of the Ancient Treasure Ships and the Great Oman Voyage I am impressed and inspired by the rich and proud maritime history of Oman, predating the globalized world of today. This is a symbol of a rich and proud historical and cultural heritage which demonstrates that the different centuries, civilizations, and religions can thrive in a mutually harmonious and peaceful world. Let this exhibition inspire us all for a more peaceful and tolerant world.”
Click on the images to see: The route to the exhibition – a small town outside Muscat, and Muscat itself by day and night; the objects being professional delivered and unpacked; the exhibition itself; groups of school children visiting the exhibition.
Salalah, Oman. 27th February 2011 - 10th April 2011:
In late February the exhibition moved to Salalah’s Land of Frankincense Museum, in the Al Baleed Archaeological Park. Whilst in Salalah, Museum of East Asian Art Curator Michel Lee and his fellow co-Curator on this exhibition, National Geographic’s Fred Hibert, gave lectures at the Dhofar University, as part of a complementary programme being run jointly by National Geographic and Oman’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Click on the images to see: The route to the exhibition – passing a camel herd and then into Salalah; The Al Baleed Archaeological Park; Dhofar University in Salalah and symposium; the opening of the exhibition with representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and important local officials.
Watch a video of the exhibition opening in Salalah:
Further destinations to be announced…
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