Language of Kuancai: Understanding Coromandel Screens Through Conservation Science.

Bei Shan Tang Foundation is delighted to present the fourth episode of the Bei Shan Tang Conservation Seminar Series (the “Seminar”). The Seminar invites conservation experts and scholars from around the world to share the latest theories, research, and trends in conservation, promoting the understanding of culture, ethics, and values behind the conservation of Chinese art and artefacts.

Join us for this year’s Seminar, "Language of Kuancai: Understanding Coromandel Screens Through Conservation Science," which addresses the need to understand and conserve Coromandel (kuancai) screens. This unique category of Chinese lacquerware has evolved through rich historical traditions and cultural exchanges. The Seminar will feature the latest collaborative conservation research of conservators and scholars from China, Russia, Portugal, and the United States. Our objective is to bridge knowledge gaps and facilitate collaborations among conservation experts, museum professionals, and art historians, emphasizing the profound impact of scientific research on advancing scholarship in art history study.

ZOOM Webinar

Hong Kong / Beijing | July 12, 2025 (Sat) 2pm - 5:30pm
San Francisco | July 11, 2025 (Fri) 11pm - July 12, 2025 (Sat) 2:30am
St. Petersburg | July 12, 2025 (Sat) 9am - 12:30pm
Lisbon | July 12, 2025 (Sat) 7am - 10:30am

Presentations in Chinese and English with bilingual simultaneous interpretation.

MODERATORS
Dr. Jay XU | Director Emeritus, Asian Art Museum, San Francisco
Dr. LEI Yong | Director and Research Fellow, Department of Conservation Science, The Palace Museum

CO-CREATION PARTNER
Dr. WANG Lianming | Associate Professor, Department of Chinese and History, College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, City University of Hong Kong

PROGRAMME

14:00-14:10
Introduction

14:10-14:40
“What Do We Know About Coromandel Screens? – Art Historians’ Perspective”
Dr. LIU Xialing | Research Assistant, Department of Arts and Design, Faculty of Arts and Humanities, University of Macau

14:40-15:10
Conservation on the Six-fold, Twelve-panel Coromandel Lacquer Screen at the Art Museum,
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Ms. HUA Chunrong | Associate Curator, Conservation Department, The Palace Museum

15:10-15:20
Break

15:20-15:50
“An 18th-century Chinoiserie Half-cabinet with Panels Made from Coromandel Screens in the Collection of The State Hermitage Museum”
Dr. Kamilla KALININA | Conservation Scientist, Department of Scientific Restoration and Conservation, State Hermitage Museum

15:50-16:20
“Chinese Lacquer in Portuguese Collections: Material Study of Three Kuancai Screens”
Dr. Maria João PETISCA | Furniture and Lacquer Conservator;

16:20-17:00
Round Table and Q&A

17:00-17:20
Conclusion

Collaborating Researcher, Instituto de História da Arte (IHA), NOVA University of Lisbon – School of Social Sciences and Humanities (NOVA FCSH)

Registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ECX2NtZyRCC3HsQY8gjF9g#/registration

Seminar program:
https://www.jsleefellowship.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ENG_Programme.pdf