Hall of Ancient Airs 1871 - 1933

Editor: So, here we have "Hall of Ancient Airs," a metal relief by Jian Guzhai, dating from 1871 to 1933. I’m immediately drawn to the inscription and how it’s integrated into the decorative geometric patterns. What’s striking to you about this piece? Curator: I’m fascinated by how objects like this exist within larger power structures. It’s in the Met now, but what was its original context? This piece, even as "decorative art," reflects certain values. Do we know who commissioned this, or what purpose it served? Editor: It's interesting to consider how its meaning might shift depending on its setting. If it was once a private commission and now it’s in a public museum… Curator: Exactly. Suddenly, it becomes part of a visual narrative sanctioned by the museum. We begin to examine what the institution chooses to display, and implicitly, what it doesn't. And, what do we make of this inscription now that it is on display? How does its display inform or misinform the history and tradition of the calligraphic script and of ancient halls? Editor: That’s a great point. Thinking about it, the calligraphy could offer clues about its socio-political roots or be used for a patron’s personal or political statement. Curator: Indeed. The museum is assigning value here. Whose story gets told, and whose is left out when objects are recontextualized like this? And how can the museum do better to provide a comprehensive, unbiased overview, acknowledging the piece's multi-faceted history and role? Editor: That’s definitely given me a lot to think about, particularly in terms of how cultural context influences artistic interpretation, shifting our understanding of the inscription over time and our responsibility when displaying cultural artifacts. Curator: Precisely! Analyzing art is not just about aesthetics, but about unraveling the story of its production and reception across time.