Spend your Sunday afternoon learning about the arts of Asia from experts at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco! Each month will focus on a unique topic from this vast, diverse, and ever evolving continent.

September 10 @ 2:30 pm Sign up directly through Zoom here!

Art Across Asia: Masterpieces from the Asian Art Museum with Steve Zilles

What constitutes a “masterpiece?” Why are some objects considered masterworks while others are relegated to lesser positions? Explore some answers as illustrated by a few of the very best treasures of the Asian Art Museum. These are masterworks from the vast and varied regions we collectively call Asia, which stretches from the Mediterranean to the Pacific. Fabulous statues, ancient bronzes, mystic jade, delicate ceramics, and evocative paintings – let them engulf you in their amazing beauty and workmanship.

October 8 @ 2:30 pm

Hidden Meanings in Chinese Art with Linda Lei

Bats, gourds, peaches, ribbons, and monkeys on horses. These images, and many others, are frequently – and artistically – depicted in Chinese art, but what do they mean? Using selected objects from the fabulous collections at the Asian Art Museum discover some of the fascinating and fun meanings and messages hidden in Chinese art.

As the Chinese language is an exquisite conduit for rebuses (visual puns) and symbolism, motifs that appear in Chinese art often represent wishes for good fortune and auspicious messages. Join us as we decipher hidden meanings of prosperity, health, and happiness found in traditional Chinese art. Presented by the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco Community Speakers Program.

November 12 @ 2:30 pm

Japanese Aesthetics: Exploring Japan’s Artistic Sensibilities with Mary Mead

Kimono, netsuke, swords, lacquerware, screens, and scrolls. Come explore the variety, complexity and beauty of Japanese art. For the Japanese the functionality of an object was not enough; it also had to be aesthetically pleasing and display the skill of the artisan, the taste of the patron, and the values of the culture. Luxuriate in this fascinating program highlighting some of the exquisite objects in the Japanese collection of the Asian Art Museum.

December 10 @ 2:30 pm

When the Tiger Smoked a Pipe: The Art of Korea with Ginny Meyer

Korean stories of long ago begin “When the tiger smoked a pipe…” Explore the varied and fascinating art that Koreans have produced for thousands of years. Renowned throughout Asia for their ceramics and textiles, Korea also has created, adapted, and refined a broad spectrum of art forms. Today Korea is one of the leaders in contemporary art production.

January 14 @ 2:30 pm

Timeless Traditions: Expressions of the Divine in India Art with Mary Mead

Explore the vast panoply of South Asian art through the prism of four belief systems founded there: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Discover how for thousands of years the artists of India and its neighbors have beautifully depicted their impressions of their deities, and reflected their cultures.

February 11 @ 2:30 pm

The Lunar New Year

Welcome in the lunar new year by learning about the traditions and symbolism which enrich this celebration each year.

March 10 @ 2:30 pm

The Goddess: Images of Power (Women’s History Month)

Explore various cultural and religious manifestations of female deities.

April 14 @ 2:30 pm

Persia: Crossroads for Art and Culture

Uncover the unique artistic elements of ancient Middle Eastern art, and its influence on art across Asia and Europe.

May 5 @ 2:30 pm (one week early due to Mother’s Day)

Glorious Civilizations: An Exploration of Southeast Asia

Ten countries, numerous cultures, thousands of years. Explore the varied and intriguing art of Southeast Asia as reflected in the religious and secular art of this fascinating region.

June 9 @ 2:30 pm

Expressions of Gender in Asian Art (Pride Month)

Gender fluid and non-binary depictions have existed for thousands of years in Asian art. Explore works which support this belief in non-duality.