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Patterns of Trade: Indian Textiles For Export, 1400–1900

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0800

Journey back to when India clothed the world. Patterns of Trade: Indian Textiles for Export, 1400–1900 presents over seventy works of strikingly patterned and brightly coloured Indian trade textiles from a recently acquired collection. These extraordinary cloths, some over 600 years old, show the deep roots of today’s globalised world and the surprising and fascinating impact of cultural exchange.

Wherever they were traded Indian textiles like these created a sensation. Loved for their quality and their bright and unfading colours, many became treasured heirlooms, passed down from generation to generation. From production sites in India, to markets as far apart as Japan, Southeast Asia, the Islamic world, and Europe, this exhibition helps explain the huge popularity and profound influence of Indian textiles. They have left an indelible mark, not only on the way we do business, but also on the way we dress ourselves and decorate our homes.

This exhibition will be the first time that a major part of this important collection will be shown to the public.

The Tang Shipwreck: Gold and Ceramics from 9th-century China

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0800

In 1998, a shipwreck was discovered in shallow water near Belitung Island in the Java Sea. Careful study revealed this to be a 9th-century Arab merchant ship heavily laden with Chinese ceramics, gold, silver, and other precious objects from Tang dynasty China.

It soon became apparent that this ship, the oldest Arab vessel discovered in Asian waters, was no ordinary find. It was sailing from China back to the Middle East, where its journey had begun, and it provides direct evidence of the maritime trade between China, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East over a thousand years ago. It was carrying some 60,000 objects, including both mass-produced and rare ceramics, exquisite gold and silver objects, and everyday items belonging to the crew.

The exhibition features more than 130 highlights from this extraordinary shipwreck cargo. Chinese ceramics include exquisite white ware from the Xing kilns of Hebei province, 70 Changsha bowls from the over 55,000 found, and the earliest examples of complete Chinese blue-and-white ceramics known. An exquisite gold cup and a silver wine flask, the first of their kind found outside China, are also on display. The many superb objects are testament to the artistry of Tang craftsmen, who expertly adapted their wares to suit the tastes of foreign markets as far away as present-day Iraq.

The sheer number of objects found indicates the industrial capacity of China and the huge demand for her products at this time. The Tang shipwreck is a story of the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures in the region around Singapore a thousand years ago.

Patterns of Trade Weekend Festival

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0800

Don’t miss a fun-filled weekend bursting with delicious treats, vibrant beats, and dazzling dances from India! Marvel at the intricate designs and bright colours of incredible Indian textiles with free admission to the Patterns of Trade exhibition. Explore an array of Indian and Southeast Asian cultural treats at our activity bazaar. Children will enjoy discovering the many designs in the show through colourful creative crafts.

Free admission to all galleries from 9am to 7pm
Activities from 1pm to 6pm

Regenerating Communities @ empress place

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0800

An event in collaboration with The Arts House, regenerating communities @ empress place is back at the ACM. Presenting the Sin Hoe Ping puppet troupe on 16^th and 17^th February, show timings are at 6, 7 and 8pm.

Don’t miss free admissions to all galleries from 6-10pm. Visitors can look forward to body art, caricatures and ice cream giveaways!

ACM Lunchtime Series - Wind Jazz

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0800

Conservatory wind chamber groups perform popular works by Gershwhin, Debussy, Tim Jansa and Claude Bolling.

The next concert will be on 2 March 2012. Please click here for more information.

For more information
Asian Civilisations Museum
1 Empress Place, Singapore 179555
Tel: 6332 3284 / 6332 7798
Email: nhb_acm@nhb.gov.sg
Website: www.acm.org.sg

Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music
Tel: 6516 1167
Email: musconcerts@nus.edu.sg
Website: www.music.nus.edu.sg

ACM Lunchtime Series - Sari-Sari Philippine Kulintang Ensemble

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0800

Sari-Sari, the Philippine kulintang ensemble, performs songs and dances from two distinct kulintang styles. It is directed by Pamela Costes Onishi and Hideaki Onishi. Kulintang is a musical tradition from the Philippines played on sets of gongs and drums.

For next week's concert, please click here.

For more information
Asian Civilisations Museum
1 Empress Place, Singapore 179555
Tel: 6332 3284 / 6332 7798
Email: nhb_acm@nhb.gov.sg
Website: www.acm.org.sg

Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music
Tel: 6516 1167
Email: musconcerts@nus.edu.sg
Website: www.music.nus.edu.sg

Curator Tours: Patterns of Trade

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0800

Traded across the Indian Ocean for centuries, the textiles produced in India weave a fascinating tale of beauty and culture. Hear the stories behind the stunning cloths on display as our curator takes you behind the scenes in these special tours.

If you have missed this tour, click here for the next one.

Curator Tours: Patterns of Trade

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0800