Chinese export artist early 1780s, gouache on paper, Martyn Gregory Gallery, London

The early modern European trade with Asia laid the foundations for a new consumer market in Europe. Objects now housed in museums, porcelain from China, lacquer furniture from Japan, silk and cotton textiles were bought in bulk in Asia and sold at big auctions in Amsterdam, London and Copenhagen. Asian semi-luxuries became everyday fashion among the well-off in Europe. The workshop attempts to bridge the gap between the two different perspectives on the topic of Material Encounters with Asia, by bringing together historians, curators and dealers. Was there a pan-European market for Asian products? How were designs transferred between Europe and Asia? These are just some of the questions at the forefront of this workshop.
For more on the idea behind the workshop click here.

William Daniell "A view of the European Factories at Canton", late 18th century, Copyright National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London

Collecting the Companies: The material and quantative evidence	The East - West Dialogue Shaping Manufacture
The Private Trade 'Courtesy of the Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford'	The East India Trade: Objects and the Interior