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Looking for Blue Willow Chinas
Collection:CSM Museum & Study Collection
Date: 2022
Artist: Shenjia Zhang
Medium: Video installation
Object number: MISC.2023.478.CC.1-3
DescriptionDescription by the artist: ‘Looking for blue willow chinas’ is a video installation based on the investigation of British chinoiserie ceramic pattern Blue Willow. This took as its starting point Zhang’s finding shards with this pattern, whilst Mudlarking: searching the tidal riverbed on the river Thames.
Willow ware and its variations were manufactured in large numbers from the 18th century onwards. Through the investigation of Thames willow shards and relevant archives, the project explores the relations between orientalism, industrial revolution and globalization.
The video installation is composed of found objects and videos, including four different projections or screens. Video 1 (projection on the wall) depicts the process of restoring a willow plate with the found shards. Video 2 (projection on the floor) displays the Thames map with the location where Zhang found the shards, along with old film footage showing people using willow wares. Video 3 (box monitor) presents TV series, cartoons, games, and music inspired by the willow pattern. Video 4 (tablet on the wall) showcases the first-person perspective of Zhang's mudlarking process. In addition to the videos, the installation includes Zhang's mudlarking tools, a pair of boots, a modern willow plate, and a board with several willow shards and the time and location where they were found.
Willow ware and its variations were manufactured in large numbers from the 18th century onwards. Through the investigation of Thames willow shards and relevant archives, the project explores the relations between orientalism, industrial revolution and globalization.
The video installation is composed of found objects and videos, including four different projections or screens. Video 1 (projection on the wall) depicts the process of restoring a willow plate with the found shards. Video 2 (projection on the floor) displays the Thames map with the location where Zhang found the shards, along with old film footage showing people using willow wares. Video 3 (box monitor) presents TV series, cartoons, games, and music inspired by the willow pattern. Video 4 (tablet on the wall) showcases the first-person perspective of Zhang's mudlarking process. In addition to the videos, the installation includes Zhang's mudlarking tools, a pair of boots, a modern willow plate, and a board with several willow shards and the time and location where they were found.