Asian Art Museum

In November 2019, police and students violently clashed at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. This was a direct response to the Anti-Extradition Law Amendment Bill Movement, during which a series of protests against the bill's introduction led to numerous skirmishes throughout Hong Kong. The clash remains a significant moment for Hong Kong’s young intellectuals, particularly those who value freedom of speech.

This piece by Koon Wai B**g depicts fire and tear gas by using a light installation paired with neutral tones and serves as a reminder of the chaos involving students, parents, government officials, and law enforcement.

🗓️ There's only 2 weeks left to experience this powerful work and read the full English translated inscription at “Into View: New Voices, New Stories.” On view through Monday, Aug. 5.

Plan your visit: go.asianart.org/IntoViewNewVoicesNewStories

📷: 1112, 2020. By Koon Wai B**g 管偉邦 (b. Hong Kong, 1974). Ink on paper and LED lights. Museum purchase, Frederick S. Whitman Trust Acquisition Fund, 2020.28.a-dA.

It's the LAST DAY to see "Phoenix Kingdoms: The Last Splendor of China’s Bronze Age" 🔥 and select Takashi Murakami works! 🌼

We hope everyone enjoyed admiring over 150 Chinese national treasures and encountering Murakami's trademark smiling flowers.

🏛️ Get one last look today! We're open until 5 p.m. on Mondays.

Plan your visit: go.asianart.org/PhoenixKingdoms

📷:
📷:

Over the moon for elegant moon jars. 🌕

Produced for under 200 years from the late 17th to early 19th century, moon jars were prized by Joseon dynasty scholars and collectors for their simplicity and elegance. Only about 30 moon jars from this era survive globally, highlighting their significance in Korean art.

Due to its size, moon jars are distinctive for their unique construction—which consists of joining separately shaped upper and lower halves. Along with varying shades of blueish-whites and more translucent whites, each jar is truly unique. This particular moon jar is renowned for its wider and rounder form compared to others of its kind.

🇰🇷 Enjoy a contemplative moment admiring this masterpiece in the collection galleries for Moon Day tomorrow and to brush up on Korean art and culture ahead of our fall exhibition “Hallyu: The Korean Wave.”

Learn more: collections.asianart.org/collection/moon-jar

📷: Moon jar, 1650–1750. Korea. Joseon dynasty (1392–1910). Porcelain with clear glaze. Asian Art Museum, The Avery Brundage Collection, B60P110+.

"The country’s largest showcase for Asian art." — Time Out Magazine

Stop in for a summertime visit to be immersed in three floors of ancient and contemporary works.

Plan your visit: go.asianart.org/PlanYourVisit

The 43 best art museums in the U.S. to visit right now These cultural institutions have it all

“A couple of hours at the excellent Asian Art Museum. It’s been way too long since I was last there.” — @‌jingletown

We love seeing the museum ! 🤩 Here are some photos snapped by you!
📷: @‌jingletown
📷: @‌christinehnguyen
📷: @‌neonilabidna
📷: @‌plushiesinchemistry
📷: @‌kchill68
📷: @‌theshybokchoy
📷: @‌zoru.ge
📷: @‌petrov.ccxii
📷: @‌jininwonderland
📷:

Thank you to everyone who joined us for weekend! Can’t wait until the next Free First Sunday? Take advantage of special ticket offers for the FINAL WEEKS of “Phoenix Kingdoms!” See the special exhibition and the rest of the museum with:

🎟️ $10 Senior tickets on Mondays

🎟️ $60 Family Bundle (up to five with maximum of two adults)

🎟️ Group Visit Bundles: $280 for up to 10 Adults, $250 for up to 10 Seniors, and $70 for up to 10 Seniors on Mondays

🏛️ When was your last Asian Art Museum visit?

Plan your summer visit: go.asianart.org/PlanYourVisit


San Francisco | The Official Guide

On July 21, join us for an international one-day symposium accompanying our special exhibition "Phoenix Kingdoms."

Nine expert scholars share new insights and perspectives related to the exhibition, drawing from recent archeological discoveries to enrich our understanding of this fascinating and influential Bronze Age era.

RSVP is required: calendar.asianart.org/event/phoenix-kingdoms-international-symposium

Phoenix Kingdoms International Symposium - Calendar - Asian Art Museum The Asian Art Museum of San Francisco houses one of the most comprehensive Asian art collections in the world, with more than 18,000 works of art in its permanent collection. Stroll through 6,000 years of art and culture.

"The Chinese collection is considered to be the best outside of China itself." — Time Out San Francisco

Thank you, Time Out San Francisco for including the Asian Art Museum as one of the best museums in San Francisco!

In addition to the Chinese collection galleries, don't miss our special exhibition "Phoenix Kingdoms," which features over 150 Chinese national treasures—many of which are on view for the first time ever in the United States!

"Phoenix Kingdoms" is on view through July 22. Bring the family for only $60* and seniors can enjoy quieter Monday visits for just $10. Plus, we're open from 10AM–5 PM on July 4!

Plan your summer visit: go.asianart.org/PhoenixKingdoms

*Maximum of five family members with two adults and three guests under 22.

The museums in San Francisco you need to check out right now We've got SFMOMA, the de Young, and more.

How do you build your dream? 💭 What pushes you to redefine it? How do you continue to reconstruct it?

For one night only on July 11, explore these questions and witness how an artist’s process blooms as the Asian Art Museum is transformed into a dreamscape built upon the visions of emerging AAPI creatives. This evening is for the audacious believers, courageous problem-solvers, and those who ask, “What more?”

PROGRAM
🎞️ Double Film Screening:
1. “KONGKEE: AM I DROWNING OR AM I FLYING?” (Short documentary)
2. “Bridge to Everywhere” (Award-winning animated short premiered at ’s )

🎤 Artist talk with director Spencer Tsang

📢 Dream State special announcement with Spencer Tsang and Yăng Shēng creators, Hanna Chen & Steph Cai

🪡 “The Blueprint” interactive visualization of dream weaving designed by Yăng Shēng, in collaboration with Yasmine Anastasia and Sorell Tsui.

Featured Artists:
✧ (Multimedia Magazine)
✧ (Filmmaker)
✧ (New Wave Cantonese Cuisine, by Chef James Parry)
✧ .online (Concept Space)
✧ (Multichannel Art Brand)

Sounds by DJ Bitesize
Graphic Design by

Learn more and reserve tickets: calendar.asianart.org/event/dream-state-visions-of-multimedia-artists

Experience "Phoenix Kingdoms" during its FINAL WEEKS with one of our summer ticket specials! ☀️

🎟️ Senior Mondays: Seniors can enjoy a quieter and more serene experience for just $10 on Mondays! Want a guided tour? Join one of our friendly and knowledgable docents for a "Phoenix Kingdoms" tour at 11 AM.

🎟️ Family Bundle: Bring the littles and the young at heart to see over 150 Chinese national treasures. Families of up to five, with maximum of two adults over the age of 22, can enjoy the special exhibition for only $60.

"Phoenix Kingdoms" is on view through Monday, July 22.

Plan your summer visit: go.asianart.org/PhoenixKingdoms

Do you know what is contained in the vial Avalokiteshvara holds in her right hand? Why do Sasanian royal portraits usually include an elaborate royal crown? How does contemporary artist Koo Bohnchang reinterpret ancient Korean art? 🤔

Learn the answers to these questions at Takeout Tuesdays! 🥡 Every Tuesday, hear about selected artworks in our collection through virtual interactive lunchtime conversations with docents and fellow art lovers.

Upcoming topics include:
🗓️ Jun 25: "Avalokiteshvara: A Buddhist Deity"
🗓️ Jul 2: “We’re in the Money: What Sassanian coins tell us”
🗓️ Jul 9: "1000 Compassionate Hands”
🗓️ Jul 23: "The Art of Giving: Fukusa gift covers from the Sinton Collection”
🗓️ Jul 30: "Koo Bohnchang, Korean art through his lenses"

Reserve free tickets for these virtual events: calendar.asianart.org/takeout-tuesdays



📷: White-Robed Water-Moon Avalokiteshvara (Gwaneum bosal), 2008. by Seol Min (Korean, b. 1966). Ink and colors on cotton. Asian Art Museum, Gift of Seol Min, 2008.11. © Buddhist nun Seol Min.

📷: Coin of the Sasanian emperor Bahram II, 276-293. Iran. Silver alloy. Asian Art Museum, Acquisition made possible in part by the Society for Asian Art, F1999.38.10.

📷: Seated thousand-armed bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara (Guanyin), approx. 1600-1700. China. Ming dynasty (1368–1644) or later. Wood (Tilia) with pigments. Asian Art Museum, The Avery Brundage Collection, B60S584.

📷: Gift cover (fukusa) with view of Mt. Fuji from Suruga Bay, 1781-1788. Silk, satin weave, with silk and gold-wrapped thread embroidery. Asian Art Museum, Gift of Peter and Beverly Sinton, F2022.25.6.

📷: Gold Series: Asian Art Museum, 2018. by Koo Bohnchang (Korean, b. 1953). Archival Pigment Print. Asian Art Museum, Gift of the artist, 2019.113.

$1 boba bliss? Say less! 🧋😋

Through August 30, is offering $1 boba on Fridays from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. Head to the first floor cafe or East West Bank Art Terrace to indulge in multiple milk tea flavors including:
🍯 Brown Sugar
🍵 Matcha
🥛 Chai
🌼 Jasmine
🇹🇭 Thai
💜 Taro
☕ Vietnamese Iced Coffee

Got kids? Don't forget to grab a complimentary Draw with Reina Activity Pack that's filled with gallery-friendly art supplies from the information desk.

Learn more about Asian Box at the Asian Art Museum: go.asianart.org/dining

In the “In & Out” series, artist Nicole Pun invited participants to perform how they touched and made love to their partners in front of her lens. The result is an intimate portrait of le***an desire and sexual intimacy.

Pun spent years interviewing American, Taiwanese, and Hong Kong le***ans to learn more about the stories of their hands— a frequently and intensively utilized part of our body and a signifier of sexual desire and expression between q***r and le***an-identified women.

Get intimate with Pun’s portraits at “Into View: New Voices, New Stories.”

Plan your visit: go.asianart.org/IntoViewNewVoicesNewStories



📷: In & Out #1, 2014. by Nicole Pun (Hong Kong, b. 1989). Archival inkjet print. Asian Art Museum, Gift of WYNG Foundation, F2020.16.11. Photograph © Asian Art Museum of San Francisco.
📷: In & Out #10, 2014. by Nicole Pun (Hong Kong, b. 1989). Archival inkjet print. Asian Art Museum, Gift of WYNG Foundation, F2020.16.13. Photograph © Asian Art Museum of San Francisco.
📷: In & Out #2, 2014. by Nicole Pun (Hong Kong, b. 1989). Archival inkjet print. Asian Art Museum, Gift of WYNG Foundation, F2020.16.12. Photograph © Asian Art Museum of San Francisco.

“Went to ‘Phoenix Kingdoms’ at the Asian Art Museum and it didn’t disappoint. If you’re into the Warring States Era of Chinese history, highly recommend.” —

See the new archeological discoveries that have significantly changed our understanding of early Chinese art and culture! 💡 Technologically and artistically far more advanced than scholars had previously assumed, these southern kingdoms are now arguably the largest and most resource-rich state of its time.

How fun it would have been to be a Yangzi River Valley state aristocrat grabbing a wine glass out of a pig container? 🐷 🍷

📷:
📷:
📷:
📷:
📷:
📷: .liii
📷:
📷:
📷:
📷:



Plan your visit: go.asianart.org/PhoenixKingdoms

"'Phoenix Kingdoms’ has rewritten the history of China." — The Mercury News

Read about the "imaginative and intriguing" pieces that explore early Chinese culture and civilization.

Learn more and plan your visit: go.asianart.org/PhoenixKingdoms

‘Phoenix Kingdoms’ display in SF has ‘rewritten the history of China’ Exhibit with more than 150 items at Asian Art museum presents wonders and weapons that reflect a new understanding of ancient China.

"Poignant to visit the Asian Art Museum and get so much inspiration from centuries of ancestors."
—

‌We love seeing the museum ! 🤩 Here are some photos snapped by you!
📷:
📷: .wen japanese
📷: .explores
📷:
📷:
📷:
📷:
📷:
📷: .minos
📷:

‌Thank you to everyone who joined us for and Family Storytelling this weekend! Can’t wait until the next Free First Sunday? Experience a leisurely visit on , enjoy late hours on Thursday Nights, and join one of our friendly docents every day the museum is open.

‌💭 What Asian Art Museum artworks inspire you?

Happy Pride Month! 🏳️‍🌈 Join us in celebrating LGTBQIA+ voices in art and culture.

🎤 June 20 & 23: Q***r activist-artist Xiangqi Chen performs “Dao Ma Dan in Le**os," a q***r reimagining of a traditional Chinese opera role. Afterwards, sing along with us at LGBTQ-themed karaoke.

🏳️‍🌈 June 30: Museums with Pride will march in the 54th annual San Francisco Pride Parade. Celebrate and support LGTBQIA+ organizations right outside our doors at the Pride Civic Center Celebration.

👐 "Into View: New Voices, New Stories": Newly acquired works by Nicole Pun and TT Takemoto use photography and film to poignantly capture intimacy between q***r women.

Learn more about our special exhibitions and programs at asianart.org.

Tell us your thoughts to receive a FAMILY PASS to the Asian Art Museum!

Want to get a sneak peek of our Fall exhibition about Korean pop culture? Join us for a virtual discussion group on Friday, May 31 or Monday, June 3 to share your thoughts!

All participants will receive a family pass, which is valid for up to 4 people and includes access to special exhibitions (like this upcoming Korean exhibition).

Fill out the survey to receive the invite link: www.surveymonkey.com/r/Hallyu

"Stunning mythical artworks." —

Found in the ancient tombs of Zeng and Chu aristocrats, many pieces on view at "Phoenix Kingdoms" incorporate spiritually significant animals and creatures. These fantastical beasts reflect the deep spirituality and beliefs of the Yangzi River Valley states. For instance, snake-like dragons were regarded as powerful keepers of waters, while phoenixes and mythical birds represented harmony.

💛 There's less than 10 days left to claim our AAPI Heritage Month gift to you! Visitors 17 & under can see "Phoenix Kingdoms" for FREE through May 31.

😉 Did we mention this also includes access to the Murakami pieces in Wilbur Gallery?

Plan your visit: go.asianart.org/PhoenixKingdoms

"Stunning mythical artworks." — Smithsonian Magazine

As our Barbara Bass Bakar Director and CEO Jay Xu expressed to the Smithsonian Magazine, witness the golden age of Chinese archaeology at "Phoenix Kingdoms." See how recent archaeological discoveries, reveal the previously unknown splendor, sophistication, and extravagance of two kingdoms that flourished at the end of China’s Bronze Age.

Plan your visit: go.asianart.org/PhoenixKingdoms

Why Is Chinese Art Full of Dragons, Phoenixes and Tigers? A new exhibition showcases stunning mythical artworks of the Zhou Dynasty's "lost" kingdoms

😎❓

San Francisco-based photographer Michael Jang has been pushing the limits of photography since the 1970s. Using a snapshot style, he was influenced by the spontaneity of street photographers.

In this rare self-portrait taken in 1973, Jang appears in a black suit and shades in San Francisco’s Financial District. For this 2019 piece, Jang collaborated with Barry McGee, a graffiti artist and a pioneer of San Francisco’s Mission School art movement, to spray paint “Are you ok?” in red. Looking back at this vintage photograph forty-six years later, McGee’s question turned into a prophecy the following year amid the pandemic. The result is a new work, a work of time-based media.

At "Into View: New Voices, New Stories," see Jang's work and then learn more about the artist and the concepts that inspired the exhibition with a selection of books.

Plan your visit: go.asianart.org/IntoViewNewVoicesNewStories



📷: Self Portrait, San Francisco Financial District, 1973/2019. by Michael Jang (American, b. 1951). Spray paint on archival paper. Asian Art Museum, Museum purchase, Dorothy, Thomas, and Marguerite Warren Fund, 2020.25a-c. Photograph © Asian Art Museum of San Francisco.

We’ve got a MONSTROUS SURPRISE for you! 🌸

Our “Murakami: Monsterized” exhibition may have ended, but through July 22, you can still enjoy the Takashi Murakami’s vibrantly colored sculptures and neon works in Wilbur Gallery!

Want to see this colorful, flowered room? Wilbur Gallery is only accessible by entering “Phoenix Kingdoms,” so be sure to reserve a “Phoenix Kingdoms” special exhibition ticket.

Learn more and plan your visit: go.asianart.org/MurakamiWilburGallery

Get inspired by AAPI artists for the 20th anniversary of AAPI Heritage Month! 💛

On Sunday, May 19, become immersed in a FULL DAY of Asian and Asian American art with:

🎤 an artist talk with Ala Ebtekar, Dave Young Kim, and Jenifer K Wofford

🎥 screening of the short documentary "Luminous Ground: Ala Ebtekar"

🔥 docent tours of "Phoenix Kingdoms" and the collection galleries

📖 family-friendly storytelling (for both pre-K and the young at heart)

🖍️ art activities in the Shriram Experiential Learning Center

🍷 art and wine pairings on the Art Terrace (flights available for purchase)

🎁 As a special AAPI Heritage Month gift, reserve a "Phoenix Kingdoms" ticket for the price of a General Admission ticket for May 19!

See the full list of activities and programs: calendar.asianart.org/event/creative-currents-celebrating-aapi



📷: Luminous Ground (detail), 2018/2020, by Ala Ebtekar (American, b. 1978). Cyanotype on ceramic tiles exposed by sunlight. Commissioned by the Asian Art Museum, courtesy of the artist. Photograph © Asian Art Museum.
📷: Jakhodo Today (detail), 2023, by Dave Young Kim (American, b. 1979). Commissioned by the Asian Art Museum. Presentation is made possible with the generous support of Target. Photograph © Asian Art Museum.
📷: Fire Season (detail), 2021, by Jenifer K Wofford (b. US). Ink, acrylic, and spray paint on paper. Asian Art Museum, Museum purchase, Mortimer-Harvey Fund, 2022.99a-h. © Jenifer K Wofford. Photograph © Asian Art Museum.
📷: Artist Ala Ebtekar.
📷: Artist Dave Young Kim
📷: Artist Jenifer K Wofford

Want to ignite a child's sense of awe for Asian art and culture?

Join us in this virtual open house to learn more about the upcoming trainings to become a volunteer Storyteller at the Asian Art Museum! Our first of two informational sessions will be this Friday, May 17 at 1PM.

Participants must register ahead of the session. Find more information and register here: calendar.asianart.org/event/storyteller-volunteer-information-session-on-zoom-may-17

Storyteller Volunteer Information Session on Zoom - May 17 - Calendar - Asian Art Museum The Asian Art Museum of San Francisco houses one of the most comprehensive Asian art collections in the world, with more than 18,000 works of art in its permanent collection. Stroll through 6,000 years of art and culture.

To all the wonderful Moms, Happy Mother's Day! 🌼 💐 🌸

Choose one of these striking ikebana arrangements to send to the moms in your life! And visit the museum to come see this week's colorful arrangement. 💐

💛 ✨ And it was all yellow 🍌 🌕

Jiha Moon does not shy away from jumbling up recognizable images with a twist of humor. She unapologetically takes cues from folk art, shamanism, and pop culture, and carefully juxtaposes them to create her own visual language that speaks to the immigrant experience.

Here, a monstrous creature evocative of a Korean tiger or a Foo dog is adorned with banana hair and lemon horns. Below the figure appears the word “yellow,” and a closer look reveals that each letter is written in a calligraphic style, incorporating Hangul, the Korean alphabet. Apart from pointing to artists like Andy Warhol, the color yellow and the image of the banana also imply xenophobic slurs against Asians and Asian Americans.

See this ceramic work and Moon’s other pieces at “Into View: New Voices, New Stories.”

Plan your visit: go.asianart.org/IntoViewNewVoicesNewStories

Deputy Director and Chief Experience Officer Emiko Usui talks with NBC News Bay Area about how the Asian Art Museum aims to tell the broad and diverse stories of AAPI artists and communities.

Also hear from New York Times Best-selling author Chef Deuki Hong and journalist Matt Rodbard as they chat about their newest cookbook, "Koreaworld." Join us for the San Francisco book launch tomorrow, Friday May 10 at 6 PM!

Celebrate Korean cuisine: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/koreaworld-a-cookbook-san-francisco-book-launch-tickets-882200263737?aff=oddtdtcreator

https://www.nbcbayarea.com/celebrating-aapi-heritage/chef-deuki-hong/3533824/

Chef Deuki Hong talks new ‘Koreaworld' cookbook San Francisco’s Asian Art Museum will hold a book launch with Chef Deuki Hong for his cookbook “Koreaworld,” the follow-up to his earlier cookbook “Koreatown.”

Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with the launch of New York Times best-selling author Chef Deuki Hong and journalist Matt Rodbard’s newest cookbook, Koreaworld!

Having previously run our museum café, Sunday at the Museum, Deuki Hong is an old friend of the museum. So we are beyond delighted to support this new cookbook, which explores and celebrates modern-day cooking in Seoul through stories and recipes of chefs and home cooks alike.

Join us on Friday May 10 at 6PM for Korean-inspired bites and beverages and receive a signed book:

"Koreaworld: A Cookbook" San Francisco Book Launch Join chef Deuki Hong and journalist Matt Rodbard as they take an insider’s look at the exciting evolution of Korean food

“The special exhibition Phoenix Kingdoms at San Francisco’s Asian Art Museum is nothing but incredible!” —

Thank you to everyone that joined us for Free First Sunday this past weekend and visited “Phoenix Kingdoms.” We love seeing the museum from your perspective and here are exhibition photos snapped by you!

🎁 And don't forget! As a special AAPI Heritage Month gift, we’re offering FREE “Phoenix Kingdoms” admission to visitors ages 17 and under the entire month of May! Plan your AAPIHM visit at go.asianart.org/PhoenixKingdoms.

📷:
📷:
📷: .ccc
📷:
📷:
📷:
📷:
📷:

Did you know this lion-headed guardian is a “sky-walker”?

Simhavaktra is a dakini, or “sky-walker,” that guides human beings along the right path and can remove physical hindrances and spiritual obstacles such as pride and ego.

🔎 Find this bronze sculpture along with the large lacquer sculpture of this same goddess in the collection galleries on the third floor.