ORIENTAL ART.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20626, 29 May 1935, Page 8

ORIENTAL ART.

Masterpieces of Rare Beauty. An eagerly awaited event, the opening of the loan exhibition of oriental art at the Durham Street Art Gallery, took place last night, and the art-lov-ing public of .Christchurch was thrilled by one of the finest displays that the city has ever seen. Based on the collections of Captain G. Humphrevs-Dav-ies, of Auckland, and of Sir Joseph Kinsey, the exhibition also includes masterpieces belonging to many others in Christchurch and other parts of the Dominion. The pieces are so numerous that the whole gallery is occupied, and the standard is one that would credit many a European city. The collection has been organised by a committee of which the president is Mrs F. M. Warren and the chairman Mr Dundas Walker, and the proceeds will go to help the funds of the Young Women’s Christian Association. The exhibition was officially opened last evening by the Mayor of Christchurch. Mr D. G. Sullivan. M.P. Yesterday afternoon many interested people attended a private view at the Durham Street Gallery of the loan exhibition of oriental art, and it was generally considered that the organisation of the display and the assembly and presentation of the exhibits was a great achievement. It seemed almost incredible that New Zealand could produce so many examples of eastern art and craftsmanship. There are no fewer than 870 exhibits, and when it is explained that in many instances several pieces are grouped under the one catalogue number, an idea of the scope of the collection is easily gained.