Chinese Ceramics Revealed, 5th Century BC – 1983: Highlights From the Yuen Collection

The seventy-six objects on display comprise a selection from the extensive collection of Chinese ceramics belonging to Albert Yuen, a Perth-based Hong Kong native with a longstanding passion and knowledge for this particular aspect of Chinese art.

The works range from the 5th century BCE to the late 20th century, covering all important moments for Chinese ceramics under the Warring States, Han, Jin, Tang, Song, Ming and Qing dynasties, as well as the People’s Republic of China.

They are made of earthenware, stoneware, proto-porcelain and porcelain. They can be as elegant and understated as the cream- or celadon-glazed vessels of the Song Period; as flamboyant as the polychrome figurative vases of 18th-century Qing China; as striking and sophisticated as the blue-and-white objects, a legendary hallmark of Chinese porcelain production.

They were placed in tombs or in wealthy homes for decorative enjoyment but they were also functional objects such as weights, tea cups, pouring vessels, flower vases, and serving plates. Seen at a glance, they are testimony to one of the most accomplished continuous artistic creations the world has ever seen.

Perth is known to host several art collections of high quality in private hands. However, they are overwhelmingly limited to the past 150-200 years and geographically and culturally to Australia (Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal), Europe and North America.

It is therefore with pride that AGWA includes in its program this collaboration with one of the very few collectors who look back at their own heritage at the same time being fully and proudly Australian. This is not only the first time that AGWA will display an exhibition of historical Chinese ceramics, but also one that is entirely sourced from Western Australia.