'Ceramics from China, Japan, Korea' opens Jan. 12 at Lentz Center

"Ceramics from China, Japan and Korea" will be the 2007 spring show at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Lentz Center for Asian Culture.

"The center has been celebrating its 20th anniversary since September. For this reason, and because china is the traditional (albeit a western tradition) 20th anniversary gift, it seemed a good time to pair the two and extend our celebration into 2007," said Barbara Banks, curator/director of the Lentz Center.

The show, which will run Jan. 12 through March 31, will include the Lentz Center's extensive collections of Chinese and Japanese ceramics, and also feature Korean ceramics dating from the 14th through the 19th centuries that are on loan from the University of Nebraska State Museum.

"It will be interesting to compare examples from the three major pottery traditions of East Asia," Banks said. "Although the Lentz collections of Chinese and Japanese pottery are not completely comprehensive, they are very wide-ranging. We have examples from prehistoric China through the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). We are fortunate to have received a gift of 20th century Japanese pots from the late professor Gail Butt, one of the founders of the center. We also have large numbers of Satsuma and Sumida ware."

Many old favorites as well as new items will be on display. A prehistoric footed bowl from the Majiayao culture (China, c. 3100-2700 B.C.), a gift from the Kam-ching Leung family, will be on exhibition, as well as early Chinese ceramic sculpture. Many famous glazes will also be seen on Chinese ceramics including celadon, robin's egg blue, Claire-de-lune, flambe, mirror black and hare's fur.

Japanese ceramics are usually named after the places where they are made. There will be Imari, Nabeshima, Satsuma and Sumida. Sumida is named after the river that runs through Tokyo. It is a rougher ware that is very sculptural with three dimensional animals and people. A large collection of this type of ceramic ware was given to the center by Eloise Beranek of Ord.

Banks said Korean ceramics have at times been considered the most superior of all, especially Korean celadons. She said the show will include a few celadons and some blue and white, known for its sensitive rendering of trees and boats, dragons as well.

The Lentz Center for Asian Culture recognizes the rich and varied cultures of the many diverse peoples of Asia. Its unique collection provides a singular opportunity for enhancing instructional programs on the UNL campus as well as enriching the cultural environment of the citizens of Nebraska. It is dedicated to the enrichment of knowledge and understanding of Asia, and is the only institution in Nebraska devoted solely to Asian art.

The Lentz Center is located in the lower level of the Hewit Place building, 1155 Q St., across from the Lied Center for Performing Arts. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays, and 1:30-4 p.m. Sundays. It is closed Mondays. There is no admission charge. For more information, visit the center's Web site at www.unl.edu/lentz.

Contact: Barbara Banks, Director/Curator, Lentz, Center, (402) 472-5841