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SCHOLARS AND DEBUTANTES: A CONTRAST OF ASCETIC AND OPULENT LUXURIES

1st September, 2015 to 6th March, 2016

Liang Yi Museum is proud to present Scholars and Debutantes, a two-part exhibition that explores the unique history of "play things" owned by scholars and sophisticates of the past.

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Two floors of the museum focus on different aspects of luxury. The male-dominated and ascetic world of the Chinese scholar's studio is explored through one hundred literati objects from collections around the world. Contemporary ink paintings on loan from The Ink Society, Hong Kong illustrate the influence of these objects on artists today. On the upper floor, the opulent world of the early twentieth century woman is examined through a glittering display of European vanities from the houses of Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and Boucheron, among others. 

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Together, these contrasting pursuits lead to new insights into how luxury was interpreted differently over time and across cultures, and raise interesting questions about luxury in the 21st century.

To order any of our publications, please contact us at visitors@liangyimuseum.com.

Nécessaire Maker: Jean Fouquet c. 1920 Silver and enamel Height 11.53 x Width 4.01 x Length 1.49cm Liang Yi Museum collection

Vanity Maker: Tiffany & Co. c. 1940 Gold Height 6.08 x Diameter 4.38cm Liang Yi Museum collection

Compact Maker: Wedderien c. 1920 White jade, gold and ruby Height 6.97 x Width 5.68 x Length 2.28cm Liang Yi Museum collection

Carnet de Bal Maker: Lacloche Frères c. 1910 Enamel, silver, gold and ivory Width 11.89 x Length 1.56cm Liang Yi Museum collection

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