Inspired by the centuries-old Chinese tradition of private gardens designed for scholarly pursuits, The Huntington’s Chinese garden—Liu Fang Yuan, or the Garden of Flowing Fragrance—combines the scenic beauty of nature with the expressiveness of literature to give deeper meaning to the landscape. The Huntington organizes a Chinese Garden Lectures Series annually, inviting experts to discuss the design, symbolism, and beauty of Chinese gardens.
Nancy S. Steinhardt, professor of East Asian art at the University of Pennsylvania, examines the work of China's four greatest 20th-century architects, who were given the mandate of constructing a new China. Through their personal stories, spanning tumultuous decades of war and internal strife,...
Published 02/19/14
The art, expression, and modern interpretation of Kun opera (kunqu), the oldest and most refined Chinese opera form, is explored in an evening of conversation and musical excerpts with impresario Peter Sellars and renowned Kun opera star Hua Wenyi. Sellars’ acclaimed 1999 production of “Peony...
Published 07/27/11
Landscape designer Daxin Liu presents an illustrated lecture on the magnificent gardens of Suzhou, China, focusing on design principles and techniques that can be incorporated into Californian gardens to add classical Chinese touches to the landscape.
Published 05/04/10