Video Premiere, Lecture, and Reception
Organized by China Institute Gallery
The Porcelain Tower of Nanjing, part of the Dabao’en Temple 大报恩寺 (also known as “the Great Bao’en Monastery”), was considered one of the seven medieval wonders of the world. Destroyed by rebels in the 19th century, a full-size replica of the tower exists today in Nanjing.
| 2:05 PM | Welcome Remarks |
| 2:10 PM | Video Premiere: “Revealing the Legendary Dabao’en Temple” The legends surrounding the Dabao’en Temple are explored in this new 19:18 minute video, which presents archaeological findings on the most important imperial temple in Chinese history since the 15th century. Written and directed by Willow Weilan Hai, Director and Chief Curator of China Institute Gallery. |
| 2:30 PM | Lecture: “The Great Bao’en Monastery Pagoda” This lecture traces the beginnings of the enigmatic Porcelain Tower, also known as the Great Bao’en Monastery Pagoda, explaining why so little is known about its physical appearance and how it nevertheless has been famous for half a millennium. Rebuilt in 2015, it continues to inspire awe and majesty just as it did in the 15th century. Lecture by Dr. Nancy Steinhardt, Professor of East Asian Art and Curator of Chinese Art at the University of Pennsylvania. Followed by a Q&A session. |
| 4:00 PM | Reception |
This special event is fully sponsored by Center For Language Education and Cooperation
This program is made possible through the support of the Chinese International Education Foundation, and generous supporters of China Institute.
This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.
China Institute’s cultural programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
