I'm in Chicago for the first time and while the wife spent the day peddling porn, I went to the museum.

Now, I do want to give you a tiny bit of background. I have been around the world and have seen more than my share of museums. I do love a good museum, but living just outside of NY I've always imagined that I'm spoiled by the Met.

Well, the collection at the Art Institute rivals, if not surpasses, the Met. They have gone for quality, rather than quantity, and it shows. I basically walked around, kicking my chin out of the way of my feet.
http://www.artic.edu/aic/collections/asian...rch?collcatid=7

But that's not why we're here.

My interest in China stems from writing projects and I have been doing a great deal of research in the past 18 months. I've mentioned before that I'm a hugely visual person so when I say research I mean, I'm looking at every picture book I can get my hands on!

The Chicago collection is stunning...and more. I sincerely felt like I was meeting old friends. The bronzes, delicately coated with brilliant azurite crystals, took my breath away. Taotie is a character in my story, so I grinned at more than a few fangding and wine buckets. I actually laughed at myself as I walked into the ceramics room and said, "Dang! I mean, Tang!" These were there (though not this pair)
http://www.nga.gov.au/NewAcquisitions/97-9...ianlu_pixie.htm and I noticed for the first time the molars on Pixie's antlers. I spent some quality time with this impressive collection before breezing through the rest of the museum...and returning to the Asian rooms.

IF you're going to be in Chicago, MAKE TIME for the Institute. You won't be disappointed, I promise. I plan on going back before we leave. My only complaint is the eternal complaint...there were no postcards of the things I wanted postcards of! Because it is all about me.

The gift shop was seriously lacking in all things Asian, but as they own my favorite Magritte, I forgive them.

I already have. First time I saw ancient bronzes so old.

I second that recommendation.

When I saw the Art Museum in Chicago I was only 12. I had little interest in Asia, but my since it was my fathers favorite part of the museum we spent most of the time in that section.

I always enjoy going to museums but no matter how nice they are, they never seem to live up to my expectations because they just are not as good as the ones in Chicago. Especially when it comes to the Asian sections. The Toledo Museum of Art has a tiny section and it is mostly Japanese.

Have a good time in Chicago, it is a fantastic city.

A little off topic: is "peddling porn" some kind of code-speak for a mundane activity?

Nope. Lesbian-themed manga. It's what she does.
http://yuricon.org I just like to tease her about it.

We're in Chicago for Anime Central...which is why I'm hiding in the hotel and she's out peddling her wears.
We'll be heading for Chinatown on Monday, so I have something to look forward to after the con! lol

Oh, does she draw it, or just deal in it?

Ah, Anime Central. Memories, memories, memories.

She's the publisher. She hires artists and does translations where needed.
I smile and kiss babies.

The gang is going to the museum tomorrow. ^__^ No more con!! lol

I can see your avatar is a Sanxingdui mask. Have you personally also seen the artifacts, seeing as you "have been around the world and have seen more than your share of museums"? Some of us who were in Singapore have, as they were featured in Singapore's Asian Civilizations Museum.

Sadly, no. I have yet to go further east than Japan...but I'm workin' on it!
I chose that avatar because I think he's magnificent and I look forward to
the day when I can tell him as much in person.

Have you been to the New York MET - Metropolitan Museum of Art? They have an interesting Asian exhibit...my favorite being the Asian garden & the giant stone Buddha.

No, I have not yet been to New York. Every time I make plans to go something comes up and I have had to postpone plans. One day I hope to go.

Well, I won't spoil the exhibit for you but I can tell you it's probably the best museum I've ever been to.
They sometimes have rotational schedules so the exhibts may vary from time to time.

I go to school in Chicago and often frequent its museums. It's fantastic. fabulous. gorgeous.

Hmmm, DaMo introduced Shoujoai to me...not sure I quite get it, but the visuals are very well done.

You sound alot like a president, smiling and kissing the babies.