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Berger Oriental Art Exhibit . . .Show▼ £'^sStepstepCreation of Japanese, ChineseCraftsbjMrDr. and Mrs. David I. Btrgar stand basida a display casa which contains wall hangings and othar art objacts collactad by thair son, Dr. David G. Bargar, during his months in tha Oriant. Tht collection is on display through Dac. 20 in tha library of tha Univarsity of Dubuqua Saminary. (Talagraph-Karald Photos)This glossy blua vasa with floral dasign is an axcallant example of cloisonne.psMkiMMarthpiGAGEETiloThe white fresco on tha tray was achieved by tha application of white of egg before the final coat of enamel. Tha Japanese artist who made it feared that his unusual method and design would make his work an objectof derision.it, he offered a very for it, following the of bargaining. The bis head.small amount oriental style artist shook■ VK When the late Capt. David George Berger returned from1 Whenever possible Dr. Barger (pieces of cloisonne, Captain Ber-Japan, where he had been stationed for 10 months during1949-50, he brought with him a variety of oriental art objects.His parents, Dr. and Mrs. David I. Berger of 1957 University Ave., are sharing thatincluded with tha art object soma explanation of its making. So, with his brocaded wall drap* arias, are displayed photographs of tha weavers at work.collection with the public this Thaiiand where he holiday season by placing them; !. coro“ ot *e kmgThe collection which occupieson display h y three glass cases on the secondthe University Of Dubuquejfloor cf the library, includes suchSeminary. oddities as a devil mask and aChinese as well as Japanese set of chessmen carved from bone, articles are included n the exhibit The mask, worn in street for the young doctor took advan- parades or in theatrical produc-tage of his opportunity to visit tions, is made of papier-mache, neighboring countries. Before his molded into a hideous image andattended; The men crouch beneath theger brought home samples of the ware in every stage of produc-j tion. Beginning with the welding of the wire in the desired design i to the bare metal plate or vase, each st?p is shown in the repeatedupper framework of their looms,.^plications of enamel and firing, deftly throwing small shuttles ofvari-colored silks as the warp is raised or lowered.There is even a close-up of a weaver’s hands to show his finger nails which are notched into saw teeth to make it easier for him to catch the threads and guide them into the pattern.*lVery striking are the pieces in which white of egg is used as a fresco. One Japanese craftsman, experimenting with this medium, must have teen very conscious that he was departing from the traditional pattern.Dr. Berger came upon him as he was putting the finishingreturn home he was able to goienameled with henna and gold. | Along with several exquisite]touches to a tray. Wishing to buy,He increased his bid several times but met with refusal. When he had offered all he thought the piece was worth, he walked away. Then the artist followed*“Why do wish to buy my tray?” he asked. “Is it so you can show it to others and laugh?”“Indeed not!” said the surprised American. I want to buy it because I like it.”“Then,” said the Japanese, “you may have it for the price you offered first.”Her* in the United States we say that very often the wrappings are more beautiful and costly than the gift. Perhaps that trend has come to us fromthe Orient.At any rate it is the custom in Japan to place the gift on a silk embroidered pillow and cover it with rich brocade hanging. Pillow and gold embossed brocade used in a gift presentation are includedin the exhibit.The exhibit will be open to the public every day except Saturday and Sunday, through Dec. 20. Library hours are from 8 to 12 a.m.. 1 to 5 and 7 to 10 p.m.;
Newspaper Details
Dubuque Telegraph Herald
Dubuque, Iowa, US
Sun, Dec 08, 1957
Page 25
Full Page
Clipped by
State H.
IA, USA 05 Oct 2022
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