2006 – 2007 Season
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The Romantic Garden
Charles Wu September 23, 2006 Much of the emphasis in our learning has been on the symbols and the classical allusions of the Chinese scholar as one who is rigidly moralistic, self righteous, and bookish. Consequently, it is convenient to lose sight of the “romantic” sensibility of the Chinese scholar and the inspirational and sensuous foundations inherent in the designs of classical official-scholars’ gardens. To gain an appreciation of this insight, this presentation focuses on the romantic Chinese garden through a reading of both English and Chinese literature. |
A Tour of Our Neighbor – The Japanese Garden
Jan Vreeland & Frances Li
October 7, 2006
Touring a neighboring garden can be instructional in learning and gaining a fuller appreciation of our Classical Chinese Garden. We are fortunate that Portland’s famous Japanese Garden is so close at hand. It is truly another gem of our community in the natural setting of Washington Park and is one of the loveliest gardens of its type outside of Japan. Veteran docents of the Japanese Garden offer rich insights for both gardens.
Jan Vreeland & Frances Li
October 7, 2006
Touring a neighboring garden can be instructional in learning and gaining a fuller appreciation of our Classical Chinese Garden. We are fortunate that Portland’s famous Japanese Garden is so close at hand. It is truly another gem of our community in the natural setting of Washington Park and is one of the loveliest gardens of its type outside of Japan. Veteran docents of the Japanese Garden offer rich insights for both gardens.
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Ming Porcelain: A Commodity of Power, Culture, Tribute, and Trade
Mike Riley November 4, 2006 Our Chinese Garden in Portland was conceived as an exemplary garden of the Chinese Literati, which could be found in the urban midst of Suzhou during the Ming and early Ching periods. To help us better understand the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Dr. Michael Riley focuses on a commodity of this intriguing period that was unique to China and highly sought after by the rest of the known literate world. Dr. Riley explains why porcelain, especially the porcelain that was controlled by the Ming court, was so precious. This prized treasure served to reflect the heritage of the Chinese people of that time and advance the goals of Ming China. Even today, the mention of Ming porcelain holds fascination for the world. |
Chinese Classical Furniture
Dennis Lee
December 2, 2006
Dennis Lee will introduce us to the classical furniture of China admired by people and cultures across the glove. There will be a general overview and a directed focus on the furniture in the Hall of Permeating Fragrance and the Hall of Reflections in Clear Ripples. From a “mat-level culture,” the design and crafting of furniture in China has emerged into a 3,000 year tradition that continues today. We will look at the differences and commonalities in furniture of the Ming and Ching dynasties, and briefly compare classical and vernacular products. There will be a review of the various types of furniture enjoyed by the Chinese people, the different woods employed, and the many variations in finish. You will gain a greater appreciation and understanding of the character and aesthetics of classical Chinese furniture and why it has been traditionally embraced by the literati class in China.
Dennis Lee
December 2, 2006
Dennis Lee will introduce us to the classical furniture of China admired by people and cultures across the glove. There will be a general overview and a directed focus on the furniture in the Hall of Permeating Fragrance and the Hall of Reflections in Clear Ripples. From a “mat-level culture,” the design and crafting of furniture in China has emerged into a 3,000 year tradition that continues today. We will look at the differences and commonalities in furniture of the Ming and Ching dynasties, and briefly compare classical and vernacular products. There will be a review of the various types of furniture enjoyed by the Chinese people, the different woods employed, and the many variations in finish. You will gain a greater appreciation and understanding of the character and aesthetics of classical Chinese furniture and why it has been traditionally embraced by the literati class in China.
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Chinese Conundrum
Frances Li & Dennis Lee January 1, 2007 In the Dream of the Red Chamber, regarded as one of China’s greatest novel, there is a chapter that highlights a traditional family pastime of the Chinese New Year where the Chia family engages in “conundrums” as a part of a seasonal celebration. What are Chinese conundrums? Come and join us to learn how they have enriched Chinese literature. |
Penjing, Narcissus, and Chinese New Year (Year of the Pig 猪)
Mark Vossbrink
February 2, 2007
Aesthetics and iconography or symbolism are historically significant in the traditions of Chinese culture and often play a more prominent role than in the Western world. This is particularly true during the celebration of Chinese New Year. Why? Join us in gaining an understanding of the shui hsien (water immortal) in Chinese aesthetics and why it is so cherished for the festivities of Lunar New Year. Learn about penjing, and how one is conceptualized and then constructed to convey harmony and good chi.
Mark Vossbrink
February 2, 2007
Aesthetics and iconography or symbolism are historically significant in the traditions of Chinese culture and often play a more prominent role than in the Western world. This is particularly true during the celebration of Chinese New Year. Why? Join us in gaining an understanding of the shui hsien (water immortal) in Chinese aesthetics and why it is so cherished for the festivities of Lunar New Year. Learn about penjing, and how one is conceptualized and then constructed to convey harmony and good chi.
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All of Nature’s Splendors: Some Thoughts on Chinese Gardens, Past and Present
Kevin Greenwood March 3, 2007 The topic covers the key traditional ideals of a Chinese garden, which are reflective of cosmological concepts and literati ideals. In addition, it touches upon how the Qing Imperial gardens broadened these themes in a more overtly political realm. The presentation concludes with some thoughts on modern Chinese gardens in North America (like Lansuyuan) and further interpretations of how they add to China’s centuries’ old garden traditions. |
Listen to the Fragrance
Charles Wu
March 31, 2007
Dr. Charles Wu helps us feel connected to and comfortable with the Chinese inscriptions in the garden by recognizing recurrent and easily identifiable characters, seeing the pattern of couplets, and relating inscriptions to their settings. Peek into the translator’s studio—his knowledge and tools, and the perennial challenge and concern of balancing between accuracy and readability. Dr. Wu will also provide some close readings.
Charles Wu
March 31, 2007
Dr. Charles Wu helps us feel connected to and comfortable with the Chinese inscriptions in the garden by recognizing recurrent and easily identifiable characters, seeing the pattern of couplets, and relating inscriptions to their settings. Peek into the translator’s studio—his knowledge and tools, and the perennial challenge and concern of balancing between accuracy and readability. Dr. Wu will also provide some close readings.
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So You Think You Know Everything about the Chinese Garden
Gloria Lee & Joan Kvitka April 7, 2007 A Virtual Tour of the Portland Chinese Garden, East Meets West, When Snow Falls on the Garden, Simple Strategies for School-Age Visitors Tours, and more. Exciting things are happening in and about the Garden. Let’s take advantage of an opportunity to come together and find out from our Executive Director and Director of Education and Culture. |
Chinese Architecture – Structure, Materials, Styles, and Body Parts
David Kohl
May 5, 2007
It has been quite a while since Chinese architecture has been presented as a topic at our First Saturday meetings. To learn or to reinforce what you know of this hard to miss but essential element of a classical Chinese garden, David Kohl has offered to make a presentation on this special interest of his. Considering what Kevin Greenwood said of Chinese gardens and Charles Wu’s talk on poetic, literary inscriptions, Chinese architecture is a natural sequel.
David Kohl
May 5, 2007
It has been quite a while since Chinese architecture has been presented as a topic at our First Saturday meetings. To learn or to reinforce what you know of this hard to miss but essential element of a classical Chinese garden, David Kohl has offered to make a presentation on this special interest of his. Considering what Kevin Greenwood said of Chinese gardens and Charles Wu’s talk on poetic, literary inscriptions, Chinese architecture is a natural sequel.
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Celebrating History and Cultures in Old Town Chinatown
Suenn Ho May 19, 2007 As part of the Streetscape Improvements Project for Old Town Chinatown on and about 3rd and 4th Avenues, 20 bronze commemorative plaques were designed, forged, and installed in the neighborhood’s sidewalks. The plaques provide a window into the history and cultures of the people who have left their mark on this area of Portland. Suenn Ho will provide us with a behind the scenes look at how the design concepts were conceived for the different plaques; how those concepts were translated into meticulous, multiple stages of full-sized sketches; and how they were cast into bronze in China. Each plaque tells a unique story and reflects many cultures that resided in Old Town Chinatown. The designs include plants and flowers that are combined with quotes that speak to the rich history of one of Portland’s oldest and most cherished communities. |
Understanding and Appreciating Chinese Music
Jerry Lin
June 2, 2007
Music has played a prominent role in China as acknowledged in its early written history in the Book of Etiquette and the Book of Rites. The practice and knowledge of music are considered attributes of a gentleman. Music played an esteemed place in court rituals and religious (Buddhist) ceremonies. Confucius considered music an essential ingredient in the order of the state. A basic Taoist concept compares the individual human essence with a musical tone. Garden retreats of the Literati often served as venues for enjoying music. Learn more about Chinese music, traditional and modern, and the myriad instruments of China.
Jerry Lin
June 2, 2007
Music has played a prominent role in China as acknowledged in its early written history in the Book of Etiquette and the Book of Rites. The practice and knowledge of music are considered attributes of a gentleman. Music played an esteemed place in court rituals and religious (Buddhist) ceremonies. Confucius considered music an essential ingredient in the order of the state. A basic Taoist concept compares the individual human essence with a musical tone. Garden retreats of the Literati often served as venues for enjoying music. Learn more about Chinese music, traditional and modern, and the myriad instruments of China.
