PhD Opportunity: Tan See Bock Studentship at Northumbria University

Northumbria University Gallery holds the Woon Collection of Asian Art, which includes a significant number of rare ancient Chinese bronzes including a standing and a seated Acuoye Guanyin both from the late Nanzhao Kingdom (AD 653-902) and an Amitabha Buddha and a Vairocana Buddha, both seated in Dhyanasana pose, from the Dali Kingdom (AD 937-1253). The project would further our understanding of the histories, iconographies, collecting and display of ancient Chinese bronzes in the Woon Collection and other collections around the world, as well as their composition and methods of manufacture. The successful PhD student would help shape our understanding of the best approaches to the care, interpretation and exhibition of ancient Chinese bronzes in museum collections and the influences on the technology used. Although there is research on the history of early Chinese bronzes from this area, there is little from the technological perspective. 

Full details available here.

JOB: Assistant Curator, East Asia Collections Review Project, National Museum of Scotland

Based at the National Museum of Scotland, this temporary, full-time post will support the work of an East Asia Collections Review across various cultural institutions in Scotland. The aim of the project is to increase understanding of and public access to Chinese, Japanese and Korean collections in Scotland. Working within the East & Central Asia section of the World Cultures department (the Senior Curator for Japan collections, the Curator for Chinese collections and the Japan Foundation Assistant Curator), liaising with the National Programme Co-ordinator in the National and International Partnerships department, and working closely with staff from the partner museums, your duties will include visiting collections throughout Scotland to identify and document collections, gathering and collating information (both image and text), consulting museum documentation, writing reports, and presenting results.

You must have a degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject area (e.g. art history; history, with a demonstrable interest in the arts and culture) while a postgraduate qualification in a museum-related subject or art history (or equivalent) is desirable. The duties of this post require the post holder to have relevant experience of working in a museum or similar environment and be knowledgeable and enthusiastic about cultural collections and/or subject areas.

It is expected that you will have experience of undertaking research and of preparing and delivering presentations. Equally essential are ICT skills in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and Outlook together with knowledge of collections management databases. You must also be able to demonstrate your ability to plan and organise your workload, manage projects and build relationships within and outside of National Museums Scotland.

For more information visit the National Museum of Scotland Website.

Textile Tour of Kyrgyzstan

The Oriental Rug and Textile Society (ORTS) are organising an exciting Textile Tour of Kyrgyzstan, visiting many of the artisans who have featured in the research of Dr Stephanie Bunn the author of Nomadic Felts. The tour will run from 6-18 June 2019, starting and ending in Bishkek. ORTS have decided to open up the last few remaining places on this tour to non-members, offering them a fabulous opportunity to learn more about the textiles of this amazing country.

Participants will gain an insight into contemporary Kyrgyz design, with visits to Vorotnika Studio and Dilbar Fashion House in Bishkek, as well as the more traditional use of patterns with many visits to expert craftsmen across the country. These will include the opportunity for a masterclass on weaving in Sary Mogol and feltmaking at the Golden Thimble workshop in Bokonbaevo. In 2014 this NGO, founded by Janyl Bayisheva, received a UNESCO Award recognising the excellence of their handicrafts.

Through their contacts ORTS have been able to arrange for the group to have dinner with Zhyldyz Asanakunova, the head of the Felt Art Group in Bokonbaevo. Zhyldyz is recognised internationally for her shyrdaks – the felt rugs with powerful motifs seen throughout Kyrgyzstan.

Other special dinners will take place in traditional nomadic dwellings known as yurts. Accommodation will be in hotels, homestays and guesthouses.

This is a fantastic opportunity to take part in a very adventurous trip, experiencing the best crafts that Kyrgyzstan has to offer under expert guidance. To find out more please email Louise Teague (ORTS Chairperson).

Kindly researched  by Sue Richardson,  Blog Mistress of the Oxford Asian Textile Group.