Adorning the Inner Court: Jun Ware for the Chinese Palace

An Exhibition Design Project

LEE²DESIGN was the designer for the Adorning the Inner Court: Jun Ware for the Chinese Palace exhibition at the Harvard Art Museums, which ran from May 20, 2017 to August 13, 2017. Numbered Jun wares were rare ceramics that were admired, collected, and used in the private quarters of the Forbidden City and were known for their distinctive shapes and radiant purple and blue glazes. The exhibition included over 30 Jun from Harvard’s permanent collection, all of which were given to the University by Harvard alum Ernest Dane in addition to nearly 300 other Chinese ceramics. The exhibition marked the 75th anniversary of this generous donation.

The design of the exhibition introduced these Numbered Jun wares alongside their typology, technical characteristics, controversies, and collecting history. Moreover, the Numbered Jun were configured in different sections and mounted in various orientations to showcase specific aspects of their design, history, or function. For example, certain pieces were rotated so visitors could read the original number and location within the Forbidden City that was inscribed onto its base. The result was a highly original viewing experience that provided visitors with an in-depth understanding of these remarkable artifacts. 

Client: Harvard Art Museums

Location: Cambridge, MA

Year Completed: 2017

Image Credits:

Harvard Art Museums