WILLIAMSBURG — Following the Dragon: Chinese Ming Porcelain in Early Jamestown is a new special exhibition at Jamestown Settlement that will be on display from now until July 12.
Presented by the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation in partnership with the Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation, the joint special exhibition of Chinese Ming porcelain uncovered archaeologically at James Fort reveals unexpected cultural connections that link colonial Virginia with imperial China, spanning continents and empires.
The exhibit features porcelain uncovered during excavations of the 1607-1625 James Fort at Historic Jamestowne. JYF says that this exhibit examines who may have owned these pieces, how they may have been acquired, and offers insights into the social life of the early 17th-century Virginia elite.
“We believe it is our job, per our legislative mandate, that we explore this convergence of cultures,” said Christy Coleman, the Executive Director for the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation.
The joint exhibition was developed in collaboration between Jamestown Settlement Senior Curator Beverly “Bly” Straube and Jamestown Rediscovery Senior Curator Merry Outlaw, and was inspired by the discoveries of Chinese Ming porcelain from the archaeological contexts of James Fort at Historic Jamestowne.
Outlaw’s illustrated book, “Following the Dragon: Late Ming Porcelain from James Fort, Jamestown, Virginia,” traces how fragments of porcelain unearthed at Jamestown connect the Virginia colony to the vast networks of global trade in the early 1600s. The book will accompany the exhibition and be available with a selection of museum shop merchandise at both Jamestown Settlement and Historic Jamestowne.
Among a series of Jamestown Settlement events, programs and workshops accompanying the exhibition is a Winter Lantern Festival (requiring separate admission) on Thursday to Sunday evenings from now until Jan. 4. On Jan. 24, a Chinese Tea Ceremonies program will feature two tea ceremonies hosted by Feather Chen, allowing participants to enjoy Pu’er tea and participate in a traditional tea ceremony. The ceremonies will be followed by a Chen presenting a Chinese Tea Talk on the history and culture of Chinese Tea.
The “Following the Dragon” special exhibition is included with daytime admission to Jamestown Settlement: $20 for adults and $10 for youth. Children five and under are free. Residents of James City County, York County and the City of Williamsburg, including William & Mary students, receive free admission with proof of residency.
Jamestown Settlement is open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located near the Colonial Parkway and adjacent to Historic Jamestowne.
For more information, call 757-253-4838 or visit jyfmuseums.org/following-the-dragon.
