The structure is a one-to-five model of the Ten Thousand Springs Pavilion, a classic Chinese pavilion found within the Imperial Garden in the Forbidden City in Beijing. Hand crafted using red sandalwood – a cherished material in Imperial China – the model stands nine feet tall and is a stunning example of traditional Chinese carving.
The accompanying exhibit features photos and text panels in English and Chinese that highlight the Imperial Garden, Forbidden City and the art of Chinese carving. The exhibit and model will be on display in Carpenter Lobby at the Irving Arts Center through June 30, 2010. The exhibit is free and open to the public.
The senior conservator at the Smithsonian Institution, Don Williams, and his crew will assemble the 3,000 piece model using a mortise-and-tenon joinery (no nails). Patrons are invited to view the assembly and visit with Williams from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 30 and July 1.
The Arts Center will officially unveil the model during a reception and Family Funday from 2-5 p.m. on July 12. Complimentary refreshments will be served and a variety of traditional Chinese arts activities will take place, including performances, a Tai Chi demonstration, calligraphy instruction, lantern making and more. A dedication ceremony will take place at 3 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
The Irving Arts Center received the model as part of the Smithsonian affiliations program. The Arts Center became an affiliate in 2007 and is one of only 160 institutions nationwide to earn the distinction. The artifact was gifted to the Smithsonian Institution by Dr. Chan Laiwa – founder of the China Red Sandalwood Museum.
The exhibition was organized by the Smithsonian’s Museum Conservation Institute and the Smithsonian International Gallery, with assistance from the China Red Sandalwood Museum and the Savannah College of Art and Design.
The Irving Arts Center is located at 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd, Irving, TX 75062. For more information visit www.irvingartscenter.com or call (972) 252-7558.
About the Ten Thousand Springs Pavilion in the Imperial Garden
The Ten Thousand Springs Pavilion was constructed during the Ming Dynasty and is one of about 20 buildings that adorn the Imperial Garden. The pavilion is located on the east side of the garden and honors spring.
The pavilion’s design symbolizes a perfect world; the square base being earth, and the round top representing heaven. The top is decorated with terra cotta figures in the form of symbolic animals. The dragon, phoenix, lion and Chiwen designs symbolize imperial power and protection.
The Imperial Garden was created as a hideaway for the emperor and his family, allowing for peaceful study of nature and fellowship within the spiritual world.
