Media

“Sèvres: Porcelain of the Kings”
Celebrating extraordinary French Porcelain

10 Jun 2015

 

The University Museum and Art Gallery (UMAG) is presenting a major exhibition “Sèvres: Porcelain of the Kings” from June 10 to August 16, 2015. Through the exhibition, visitors will discover the extraordinary history of the manufactory and the artistic quality and work methods of its world-famous kilns. An extensive outreach programs such as public guided tours and clay workshops will be offered to bring the visitors closer to one of the world’s most exquisite artistry.

An opening ceremony of the exhibition was held at UMAG yesterday (June 9). Officiating guests include Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau Mr Arnaud Barthèlemy, Chairman of the Board of Le French May Dr Andrew S. Yuen; CEO of Cité de la Céramique – Sèvres et Limoges Ms Romane Sarfati, UMAG Director Dr Florian Knothe and Founder of Galerie Dumonteil Mr Pierre Dumonteil.

Since the 18th century, the quest for perfection in ceramic manufacture has seduced royalty, aristocrats and connoisseurs all over the world, including dignitaries such as the Emperors of Qing China. Meticulous quality has always been the guiding principle of the Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres in relation to its selection of artists and contemporary works.

A successor of the Vincennes porcelain manufactory, the factory at Sèvres, located near Versailles, has been making both soft- and hard-paste porcelain since 1756. First patronised by King Louis XV, his courtiers and, especially, his mistress Madame de Pompadour, Sèvres became a leader in fashionable artistic ceramics and a luxury trademark at the Versailles and Louvre palaces.

With more than 120 pieces, this exhibition exemplifies the remarkable artistry of the Sèvres manufactory and showcases finely made porcelain designed by some of the leading artists of their day. The painter François Boucher (1703–1770) and the sculptor Étienne-Maurice Falconet (1716–1791), who directed Sèvres’ modelling atelier between 1757 and 1766, became involved in the enterprise during the ancien régime, and multiple generations of talented designers and artistic directors have contributed to the manufactory’s prestige.

Our display introduces the development of style, form and colour, and highlights the manufactory’s celebrated tradition of using decorative techniques such as biscuit white and royal blue. The accompanying catalogue endeavours to present additional context and to describe, among other topics, the royal patronage and scientific advances which paved the way for the long and innovative production of porcelain objet d’art that have become icons of fashion and taste.

Details of the Exhibitions
Period: June 10, 2015 (Wed) to August 16, 2015 (Sun)
Opening Hours:
09:30 – 18:00 (Mon to Sat)
13:00 – 18:00 (Sun)
Closed on University and Public Holidays
Venue: 1/F T.T. Tsui Building, UMAG, 90 Bonham Road, Pokfulam
Tel/Email: (852) 2241 5500 (General Enquiry) / museum@hku.hk
Fees: Free Admission
Website: www.umag.hku.hk/en/

Lecture
Date & Time: June 11, 2015 (Thu) at 18:30
Venue: 1/F Fung Ping Shan Building, University Museum and Art Gallery, HKU
Speaker: John Whitehead, renowned specialist of French ceramics
Language: English
Abstract: John Whitehead will speak about Sèvres porcelain and its importance as diplomatic gifts. A biscuit porcelain sculpture modelled after Emperor Qianlong and presented to the Chinese court is just one example illustrating the international reach of and fashion for Sèvres porcelain.
Admission: Free.

Weekend Guided Tours
Date & Time: 14:00 & 15:00 on every Sat and Sun during the exhibition period (Except public holiday)
Venue: 1/F, T.T. Tsui Building, UMAG, HKU
Language: Cantonese (except for the English tours on Sunday at 14:00 sessions)
Admission: Free. 

Guided Tour for Schools
The exhibition will involve dedicated education and outreach activities. Our museum welcomes all school groups as well as tertiary institutions to request guided tours led by trained docents during our touring hours (Monday – Friday, 09:00 – 17:00). Guided tours are available in English, Cantonese and Mandarin. To request an appointment, please contact Miss Elena Cheung on 2241-5512 or elenac@hku.hk for booking and further information.

Connect with UMAG on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/umag.hku
Twitter: https://twitter.com/UMAG_HKU
Weibo: http://www.weibo.com/5411839295/profile?topnav=1&wvr=6

About University Museum and Art Gallery of the University of Hong Kong (UMAG)
UMAG was founded in 1953 as the Fung Ping Shan Museum. It was originally established as the Fung Ping Shan Library in 1932 in honour of its benefactor. For more information on UMAG, please refer to the document UMAG document.

Media enquiries:
UMAG Communication Officer Miss Elena Cheung, Tel: (852) 2241 5512, Email: elenac@hku.hk