Asian Pavilion

Tong Yang-Tze: Home is where the Heart is

Tong Yang-Tze (b. 1942) is one of Taiwan’s most influential contemporary artists. Her work embodies an emotional connection with Taiwan — the island where she grew up, and which has shaped both her life and her art. Through the flowing language of calligraphy, she expresses this deep bond. Two of her works are currently on view in the Asian Pavilion, including Home is where the Heart is (2023).

Calligraphy is an ancient art form that combines the meaning of characters with the artistic expressiveness of brushstrokes. Tong Yang-Tze’s calligraphy revolves around rhythm, emotion, and movement. The rhythm of the characters unfolds like a melody, created by the speed and energy of her brushwork.

Cruel beauty: ivory art in Asia

Ivory carving has a long history in Asia. The trade in ivory is largely banned today, but in earlier times various Asian cultures regarded the material as a symbol of wealth and a medium for artistic excellence. A selection of ivory carvings from India, China, Japan and Sri Lanka is now on display in the Asian Pavilion. The exhibits include a 19th-century puzzle ball from Canton (Guangzhou), with concentric layers that rotate independently and are decorated with flowers, figures and geometric patterns.

These objects were also known as ‘devil’s work balls’ for the craftsmanship required to create something so intricate. And the rare sleeping mat (c. 1700–1750), woven from strips of ivory, required exceptional craftsmanship; visiting officials from Guangdong often presented such ivory mats as tribute gifts to the imperial court.

In addition to the ivory carvings, the Asian Pavilion is displaying a selection of Asian and European miniature paintings and prints depicting elephants.

Kazari: the Japanese art of decoration

The Japanese word kazari can be understood as ‘the act of decorating’: the pursuit of elevating objects beyond the mundane through exuberant colours and refined motifs. Its aim – if one can indeed speak of an aim – is to celebrate life and delight the gods.

The display in the Asian Pavilion brings together some 20 objects exploring this theme, including a jewellery box inlaid with thin strips of mother-of-pearl depicting a cityscape of Roppongi (a district in Tokyo) and a porcelain monkey dressed in a jacket, reflecting the humour often found in kazari work.