Asian Lacquer Symposium Gathers International Experts
Buffalo State is hosting an International Asian Lacquer Symposium that will bring together artists, art historians, conservators, curators, and scientists from around the world to explore the many facets of this centuries-old medium.
Lacquer experts from museums and universities in China, Korea, Japan, and Myanmar, as well as Europe and America, will present lectures and demonstrations May 20–24 on the Buffalo State campus. The symposium is open to all those interested in the wonders of Asian art. The cost is $325 for students, $495 for members of the American Institute of Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (AIC), and $695 for the general public.
Coordinated as a joint effort between the Art Conservation and Design departments and the Burchfield Penney Art Center, the symposium will highlight lacquer as living art, feature historical examples of lacquer ware by region and culture, explore the craft’s technical aspects through history, discuss cultural differences in conservation approaches, and provide a venue for dissemination of recent scientific findings. The Seoul-based Korea Foundation, a philanthropic organization that works to broaden understanding of Korea, is providing generous financial support for the symposium.
In the past 20 years, scientific research has shed light on many chemical and physical aspects of lacquer and lacquer ware. The chemical fingerprinting of the naturally occurring lacquer sources by Japanese researchers throughout Asia has been successfully used to identify trade routes and elucidate commerce of this valuable resource.
Being able to share the many facets of this precious art form is an amazing opportunity for Buffalo State noted Patrick Ravines, director of art conservation at Buffalo State.
“Asian lacquer is uniting professionals from different fields so that we can enjoy this beautiful art form now and also preserve it for the future,” Ravines said.
In conjunction with the symposium, the Burchfield Penney Art Center, located on the Buffalo State campus, will be featuring an Asian lacquer exhibition.