The Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, California boasts a significant collection of Asian, African, Oceanic, and American art, spanning many centuries in the past through present day. The museum’s mission statement is rather broad—“The Bowers Museum enriches lives through the world’s finest arts and cultures”—but its vision statement offers a little more insight into the museum’s goal, which is to “celebrate world cultures through their arts” (“Mission & History”). Its programme has shifted over time, evolving from an institution focused on Orange County’s history into a focused museum representing “the demographics of Southern California by celebrating its diverse cultural makeup” (“Mission & History”).
Of particular importance in the Bowers’ collection is its Asian art holdings, which strongly emphasize China’s artistic history. The current exhibition Miao: Masters of Silver highlights beautiful works in silver created by male silversmiths in the Miao community (“Miao: Masters of Silver”). On display within this exhibition is the piece Neck Rings, which is included in the museum’s permanent collection and dates to the 20th century in Guizhou Province, China (Fig. 1; “Neck Rings”). The thick silver necklaces, which appear to clasp together at the back of the wearer’s neck, are delicately engraved with intricate geometric and floral patterns, showcasing the precision and skill of the craftsman who created the pieces. This work is situated alongside other neck rings, earrings, and additional silver adornments that have been worn to illustrate a woman’s familial wealth and suitability as a wife to potential suitors during festivals and other events (“Miao: Masters of Silver”).
The care and attention to detail with which this set of neck rings was crafted certainly indicates an appreciation of the maker’s craft, and its preservation and subsequent acquisition into the Bowers’ permanent collection demonstrates the Bowers’ commitment to illustrating the beauty of Chinese silverworks. Including this object in the museum’s collection and designing an exhibition that expands on its role and importance in Miao society shares a perhaps unknown custom with the museum’s visitors while drawing local Chinese community members to the institution to learn about and appreciate their cultural heritage. It is also important to note the museum’s emphasis on decorative arts in its collections, which can sometimes be overlooked by larger institutions who may view decorative works as craft more than art; including these types of works in the collection helps these traditions reach new audiences who can appreciate, celebrate, and perhaps incorporate aspects into their own lives and cultures.
Appendix
Fig. 1. Miao culture. Neck Rings. 20th Century. Guizhou Province, China, Asia. Silver. Gift of Anne and Long Shung Shih, 99.68.1.1-.5. https://collections.bowers.org/objects/948/neck-rings?ctx=d75ba761343ab61e280ceefc5a1fc73a4c17508b&idx=24. Accessed 28 Sept 2024.
Works Cited
“Miao: Masters of Silver.” Bowers Museum. https://www.bowers.org/index.php/current-exhibition/miao-masters-of-silver. Accessed 28 Sept 2024.
“Mission & History.” Bowers Museum. https://www.bowers.org/index.php/about-us/mission-history. Accessed 28 Sept 2024.
“Neck Rings.” Bowers Museum. https://collections.bowers.org/objects/948/neck-rings?ctx=d75ba761343ab61e280ceefc5a1fc73a4c17508b&idx=24. Accessed 28 Sept 2024.
Originally written September 2024.
Art with an Opinion 