What Every Chinese Lady Wanted

Rose Kerr, Honorary Associate of the Needham Research Institute in Cambridge, Previously Keeper of the Far Eastern Department at the Victoria & Albert Museum, where she worked from 1978-2003
In traditional China, well-born women lived quite separate lives to men. They occupied quarters in the rear of the house and were closely supervised outside its walls. Their secluded existence was pampered and opulent, they dressed themselves well, and surrounded themselves with luxury products. Based on the shapes and function of pieces, and on their decoration, it is possible to single out products manufactured specifically for women. This lecture will concentrate on two periods in China’s long history: the Song Dynasty (960-1279) and the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). It will discuss porcelain, jade, bronze, lacquer and fine silk garments.