Tickets

The Rebirth of the Canon:
The Art of the Copy in Chinese Painting and Calligraphy

19.03.2013 to 15.09.2013
Museum für Asiatische Kunst

Within any particular art-form, the canon is the collection of works which are generally recognized as being the most influential of their respective eras. A characteristic phenomenon in the development of Chinese painting and calligraphy is that Chinese artists always learned by imitating classical works. This does not mean, however, that they were not creative or original. Their distinctive practice was to model themselves on the canon, learning, by copying, to paint in the historical styles of the old masters, but on this foundation they went on to create their own completely individual styles.

The process could be seen as a generational struggle; old masters versus up-and-coming artists. The old masters created their masterpieces; the young artists copied the masters' formulas and techniques, at first imitating, but then transcending them, and finally becoming recognised masters themselves. In this way the canon was continually reborn and rewoven into the fabric of Chinese art.

The exhibition focuses on this characteristic practice in Chinese painting and calligraphy, using selected masterpieces from the East-Asian Collection of the Museum of Asian Art to illustrate this fascinating learning process.

Lansstraße 8 / Arnimallee 25
14195 Berlin

partially wheelchair accessible

Sun 11:00 - 18:00
Mon closed
Tue 10:00 - 17:00
Wed 10:00 - 17:00
Thu 10:00 - 17:00
Fri 10:00 - 17:00
Sat 11:00 - 18:00

Special opening hours during public holidays

Admission ticket Museum Europäischer Kulturen
8,00 EUR Concessions 4,00
Buy ticket

Museum Pass Berlin 3 days for permanent exhibitions
29,00 EUR Concessions 14,50
Buy ticket

Annual ticket Basic permanent exhibitions, certain times
25,00 EUR

Annual ticket Classic temporary exhibitions not included
50,00 EUR Concessions 25,00

Annual ticket Classic Plus all exhibitions
100,00 EUR Concessions 50,00


Annual membership Staatliche Museen zu Berlin

from just 25,00 EUR

Annual Passes for the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin

Tel 030 - 266 42 42 42 (Mon - Fri, 9 am - 4 pm)
Questions | Bookings | Feedback