Asian Exhibition

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30152, 8 June 1963, Page 3

Asian Exhibition

Sir, —Now that the Asian exhibition has closed, I would like to thank the exhibitors and organisers for having allowed us a few hours of aesthetic pleasure, so very rare in Christchurch. I would, however, offer two points of criticism. First, the appalling lack of exhibits concerning India, Burma, etc. They were, it seemed, contained in plastic photographs (air transport advertisements) and a collection of fluorescent saris. India, it would seem, is but a mere appendage to the rest of Asia. Second, I protest most strongly at the generous droppings of Chinese propaganda that cropped up in every position. I see no relationship between a contemporary steel niill and the products of an Imperial Ming porcelain factory. Neither does the solid face of the Chinese leader rank a place in my eyes with snuff bottles or Netsukes.—Yours, etc.,’ J. R. QUINCE. June 4, 1963.

(On behalf of the organisers Mr Gordon McArthur said: "The organisers thank Mr Quince for his appreciative remarks. We agree that India, Burrpa, and some other countries were inadequately represented, but this was due to the scarcity of suitable material. There were no ■fluorescent’ saris, nor portraits of Asian statesmen on display, though in the splendid collection of books on the art, history and current affairs of all these countries. Mr Nehru, Mr Mao, Mr Ikeda and a steel mill may have appeared. In our guide book we have pointed out that all Asian cultures have interacted upon one another to the glory of all. but it is inevitable that the arts of a country whose contribution includes paper, printing, porcelain and silk, should take a prominent place. We have shown something of Asian culture from 2500 B.C. to 1960 A.D. It is propaganda for all Asians and we hope it has helped our citizens to understand and respect people with whom we must learn to live and keep the peace. The Japanese miniature sculptures are called netsukes (pronounced netskayi"!