ANTIQUE DOOR & WINDOWS EXHIBIT

Friday, February 1, 2008 - Friday, February 29, 2008, 12:00 PM
2008

This exquisite and unique exhibit of antique Chinese wood windows and doors exemplifies the highly valued ancient art of wood carving, which graced many aspects of Chinese life. Rich in symbolism and philosophy, these windows and doors were both functional architectural elements and works of art, enhancing the aesthetics of the Chinese home. The intricately carved pieces, collected from numerous towns and provinces throughout China, depict detailed scenery and characters in traditional designs. The simple beauty of wood, with its natural grains and colors preserved, is part of the artistry of these windows and doors.

Carefully oriented and placed in the home according to the guiding principles of Feng Shui to achieve harmony and balance, antique Chinese windows and doors were designed for ventilation, light filtration, and privacy screening. They granted a seamless transition from outside to inside.

This exhibit is on loan from the private art collection of Thomas Chen, president of Queens-based Crystal Window & Door Systems, manufacturer of a broad line of vinyl and aluminum window and door products. Chen's passion for Chinese art and culture, combined with his experience in the modern fenestration industry, blossomed into a powerful quest to tell the story of Chinese windows and doors. The entire collection is comprised of over 100 pieces, some several hundred years old, along with information on the history and construction of Chinese windows and doors.

Sunday, February 2, 2008 at 2pm - A lecture on the history of Chinese antique doors and windows and how it relates to Feng Shui, philosophy, humanism, women and culture. (FREE)