“Yuan Blue and White: New Discoveries from Jingdezhen” Lecture Series

“Yuan Blue and White: New Discoveries from Jingdezhen” Lecture Series complements the titled special exhibition. Centered on Yuan blue-and-white porcelain, it invites scholars to explore key archaeological findings, conservation practices, as well as the production, trade, and consumption of Yuan blue-and-white. These perspectives guide audiences to understand Yuan dynasty’s ceramics industry and its cross-cultural exchanges.

Lecture 3 - Some Yuan Blue and Whites with Drama Scenes 

Speaker: Prof. Peter Y. K. Lam (Honorary Fellow, Institute of Chinese Studies, The Chinese University of Hong Kong)

Date: March 10, 2026 (Tuesday) 

Time: 14:30 – 16:00 

Venue: Experiential Learning Space (1/F, Art Museum, The Chinese University of Hong Kong; Zoom broadcast available) 

Application: On-site Participation | Online Broadcast 

Speaker Bio 

Professor Peter Y. K. Lam, a graduate from School of Oriental and African Studies, London University and presently Honorary Fellow, Institute of Chinese Studies, The Chinese University of Hong Kong is both an art historian and museum professional. Before his retirement in 2013 he had been with the Art Museum of the University for four decades and in the last fourteen years its Director/Professor.

Abstract

This fully illustrated talk will focus on a particular group of Yuan blue and whites with the main decorative themes taken from drama scenes. The identification of the specific drama may be made possible by comparisons with wood-block illustrations from Yuan and Ming drama or story books. The popularity of such drama is depicted by the amalgamation of literature, painting and potting in this rare blue and white group fired during the Yuan period.  

Jointly Presented by: Art Museum, The Chinese University of Hong Kong and Jingdezhen Imperial Kiln Institute 

Lead Sponsor: Bei Shan Tang Foundation 

Strategic Partner and Sponsor: Lee Hysan Foundation