AUTUMN 2023 Editorial

Autumn 2023 | MORE FROM THIS ISSUE

View of the MFAH exhibition, “Woven Wonders: Indian Textiles from the Parpia Collection”

FOR THIS AUTUMN 2023 issue, I am delighted to present the richness of the Asian art collection at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH). My team and I warmly thank the six curator and specialist authors for their outstanding articles. In addition, we would like to acknowledge the continued support of Amy G. Poster (Consulting Curator, Asian Art, MFAH and Curator Emerita, Asian Art, Brooklyn Museum) and Aimée Froom (Curator, Art of the Islamic Worlds, MFAH), who have both worked very closely with us for more than a year to prepare this special issue. We are also pleased to celebrate the expansive new galleries at the MFAH that showcase the museum’s commitment to art from Islamic lands, now featuring the Afshar Collection, showcasing in particular the impressive artistic achievements of Persia (Iran). For more information, please see Aimée Froom’s lead article in this issue, “New Beginnings: The Hossein Afshar Galleries for Art of the Islamic Worlds at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston”.

I would also like to highlight the article by Rosemary Crill, co-curator of the major MFAH exhibition, “Woven Wonders: Indian Textiles from the Parpia Collection”, featuring some of the most beautiful fabrics and tapestries one could wish to see. The Parpia Collection—one of the most significant private collections of Indian textiles outside of India—is also one of the most important in the United States. Seldom are collections of Indian textiles as comprehensive, or collected with such expertise.

Assembled to reflect India’s myriad range of regional traditions, the Parpia Collection includes singular pieces that showcase the extraordinary aesthetic and technical diversity of Indian textiles. Ranging from folk textiles to sophisticated court textiles, the objects date from the 14th century to the early 20th century. The collection illustrates the pre-eminence of textile art produced in India historically, with examples of hand-painted and hand block printed cotton, embroidery, ikat, tie-dye, brocade and tapestry.

The Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, California, is presenting the spectacular exhibition, “Beyond the Great Wave: Works by Hokusai from the British Museum”, featuring a stunning collection of more than 100 paintings, drawings, woodblock prints and illustrated books that shed light on the life and artistic brilliance of Katsushika Hokusai (1760−1849), the visionary artist renowned for creating The Great Wave, one of history’s most iconic prints. The exhibition will be on view at the Bowers Museum from October 21st, 2023 to January 7th, 2024, offering visitors an unparalleled opportunity to experience the mesmerising artistry of Hokusai, whose profound influence continues to resonate with art enthusiasts worldwide.

Detail of *Under the Wave off Kanagawa* (“*The Great Wave*”), from *Thirty-six Views of Mt Fuji*, Katsushika Hokusai, late 1831. Colour woodblock print. Japan. 2008,3008.1.JA © Trustees of the British Museum. Acquired with the assistance of Art Fund and a contribution from the Brooke Sewell Bequest

Fine Art Asia will take place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from October 5th to 8th, 2023. This year marks the return of foreign participants to the fair, and foreign and local galleries that have confirmed their participation include Rossi & Rossi, Carlton Rochell Asian Art, Yumekoubou, Ever Arts Gallery, Martin Fung Ltd, Teresa Coleman Fine Arts Ltd, Vanderven Oriental Art, Jorge Welsh Works of Art, Esme Parish Silver, Maria Kiang Chinese Art and Susan Ollemans. Visitors can expect to view exceptional Asian art and antiques at this stimulating and interesting art fair. I look forward to meeting many friends and colleagues at the show.

I am also eagerly anticipating my visits to other Asian art events, auctions and exhibitions in Hong Kong, London and New York over the coming months and will, as always, keep readers updated on these events. In the meantime, let me wish all our readers a very enjoyable and successful second half of the year!