Mother-of-Pearl

Did you know that after the Mongol dynasty was replaced by the Ming in 1368, the rulers of China enforced a strict code of artistic decoration for imperial artworks as a way to regain some of their authority? I didn't, but now I do thanks to Stan Parchin's latest foray into art of ages past. This time, he's visited The Metropolitan Museum of Art's special exhibition on Mother-of-Pearl, where extraordinary pieces of Asian lacquer from centuries ago are on display. Find out more in Stan's Special Exhibition Review: Mother-of-Pearl at the About.com Art History site; and don't miss Guide Shelley Esaak's introductory blog for more about the wondrous Mother-of-Pearl.

Related Resources

• Medieval Art and Artists
• Medieval Asia

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