The Cofrin Asian Art Wing contains four main galleries and two focus galleries with more than 700 works showcasing the Harn Museum’s collections in Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Korean, and South and Southeast Asian art. The inaugural installation of the David A. Cofrin Asian Art Wing is made possible through the generosity of the AEC Trust with additional support from the Londono Family Endowment. Installations include:
Ceramics: Avenues of Exchange
Ceramics from China, Japan, Central Asia, and South and Southeast Asia mark the Silk Road and Silk Maritime routes as well as points of new cultural contact. Ceramic wares across the regions are displayed to create a visual dialogue that highlights the inspiration each culture owed the other.
The Art of Incense: Japanese Kogo
Kogo are small containers that house pieces of incense wood or blended aromatics for ceremonial use. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, designs and materials.
Sculptures: Religion in the Round
This exhibition features sculpture from throughout Asia made from stone, ivory and wood, dating as far back as the 4th – 5th century. It examines various religious traditions side by side to demonstrate the multiple forms and functions sculptures had across Asia.
Excelling Nature: Materials, Craftsmanship, and Symbolism of Chinese Carvings
Chinese jades and glass works from the Ming (1368 – 1644) and Qing (1644 – 1911) dynasties are featured in this exhibition. Intricate carvings of landscapes and animals, as well as vessels, demonstrate the importance of jade to China’s artistic traditions and creative imaginations.
Korean Art: Collecting Treasures
Paintings, ceramics, sculpture and folk materials from the first several centuries CE through the early 20th century are on display. The majority of the works were given to the University of Florida in 1988 by General James A. Van Fleet. This exhibition is generously supported by the AEC Trust, Korea Foundation, and the Korea Cultural Heritage Administration.
