Artifacts talk at homestead

Saturday, 31 October 2009 23:00

Curator’s Fabulous Finds, a new series of artifact talks at John Jay Homestead, will continue on Wednesday, Nov. 4, at 7 p.m. in the Iselin wing. This lecture will examine and discuss Chinese export art from the homestead’s historical collection. The cost of admission is $10 a person.

When John Jay was U.S. secretary for foreign affairs during the 1780s, he appointed the first U.S. consul to Canton, China. The history of China’s trade with America will be discussed during the talk. The program is a “must-see” for those interested in Chinese antiques. Participants will have the opportunity to view seldom-seen objects close up, with an accompanying discussion by the homestead’s curator, Allan Weinreb. Among the pieces examined will be an article of porcelain from John Jay’s wedding service dating from around 1773, underglaze blue and enameled tea ceramics from the 18th Century, an exquisitely detailed gold lacquer table from the early 19th Century, and other fine Jay family items that are normally kept locked away.

Information: 232-5651, ext. 105.