The exhibition The Return of the Ivories and The Land of Peach Blossom at the Graves Gallery from 12 April 2008-31 January 2009 was part of the region wide China in Yorkshire programme of audience engagement, displays, and research during 2007-2009, led by Renaissance Yorkshire.
On these pages you can explore the stories behind the Grice Collection of Chinese Ivories, not just as a collection intended for Western museum audiences, but as a reflection of Chinese society. Find out how the collection came to Sheffield and the variety of objects collected by Dr Grice during his 30 years in China.
Far Eastern expert Rose Kerr provides the background to the history of ivory carving in China and explores themes that run through the collection in a series of five essays. The research undertaken by Rose has been invaluable in shining a light on how these ivories have meaning within Chinese culture, beliefs and history.
The collection, acquired in the 1930s, gave inspiration to ivory carvers working in Sheffield's metalwork trades. It has now inspired members of Sheffield's Chinese community to make their own response to the stories behind the objects.
Museums Sheffield commissioned artist Gayle Chong Kwan to produce new work in response to the Grice collection. Learn about the background story of the commission and how Gayle approached the making of The Land of Peach Blossom.
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Figure of the Heavenly Sisters, 1800s.
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