The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino is set to host an intriguing event on April 20, 2023, titled “Landscapes in Stone: Placing Dali Marble in Ming and Qing China.”
This free event, sponsored by the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and features Aurelia Campbell, an associate professor of art history at Boston College, as the keynote speaker.
Campbell’s lecture will trace the history of Dali marble, a famous stone quarried in Yunnan province in southwestern China. The stone’s natural patterning, resembling monochromatic ink landscapes, made it a craze among the country’s elite during the Ming dynasty. The stone was prized for its unique and intricate patterns, which came to be closely associated with the literati.
Over time, the meaning of Dali marble shifted as it became evoked in court paintings produced for the emperor during the Qing dynasty. It was used as a marker of the sophisticated urban cultures of the southeast, showcasing the stone’s versatility and adaptability.
Campbell is an expert in the field of Chinese architectural history, with a particular focus on the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. Her research has centered on issues concerning materials and technologies, sacred objects and spaces, and the relationship between the imperial court and outlying regions. She has written extensively on the topic, including her first book, “What the Emperor Built: Architecture and Empire in the Early Ming,” which examines the building projects of the famous Yongle emperor to consider how imperial ideology takes shape in built space.
Campbell’s lecture promises to be a fascinating exploration of the cultural significance of Dali marble in Chinese history, showcasing the stone’s evolution in meaning and context over time. Attendees of the event will have the opportunity to learn from one of the leading experts in the field of Chinese architectural history, gaining a deeper appreciation of the rich cultural heritage of China.
Those interested in attending the event can do so for free with reservations.The
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens Is located at 1151 Oxford Rd.
San Marino. For more information on the event, including how to make a reservation, interested parties can call 626-405-2100 or visit https://huntington.org/event/landscapes-stone-placing-dali-marble-ming-and-qing-china.
