Ka Bo Tsang

Bio

B.A., Chinese Lit. & Art History, University of Hong Kong, 1969
M.A., Chinese Art History, University of Hong Kong, 1971
Ph.D., Chinese Art History, University of Hong Kong, 1984

Ka Bo Tsang is a curator of Chinese pictorial art, she has published internationally on highlights from the ROM's collections and on symbolism in Chinese art. Her research interests range from Chinese fans, portraits, blue-and-white textiles to Chinese embroideries.

Over the past few years Dr. Tsang has curated a number of exhibitions: More than Keeping Cool: Chinese Fans and Fan Paintings (2001-02), Touched by Indigo: Chinese Blue-and-White Textiles and Embroidery (2004-2005) and Heaven or Hell: Images of Chinese Buddhist and Daoist Deities and Immortals (2006-2007) Dr. Tsang was also the curatorial representative for The Allure of Edo: Japanese Paintings of the Floating World, a travelling exhibition circulated by the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (2007).

Ka Bo’s responsibilities include the care, documentation, research, display, and growth of the collections she oversees. In addition, she regularly participates in the ROM’s identification service for the public, the annual research colloquium, March Break activities, fundraising programs, special tours, and lecturing.

Dr. Tsang’s most recent exhibition was Trade Winds: Chinese Export Wares from the 8th to 20th centuries, which was on view in the Herman Herzog Levy Gallery at the ROM until April 6, 2008. This exhibition presented some of the most popular goods China produced and exported, through the centuries, to many countries in Asia, Europe, and the Americas. They included ceramics, wallpapers, watercolours, textiles, lacquerware, ivory carving, and silverware.

In addition to Chinese pictorial arts and textiles, Dr. Tsang’s interests also include Chinese decorative arts, religion, social customs, and symbolism.

Recent Publications

"New Perspectives on 'Snuff Bottles with Integral Dishes'." Journal of the International Chinese Snuff Bottle Society 43, No. 3(2011), Part I, 4-27; Part II, 44, No. 1(2012), 20-33.

"'Official' Document: A Russian Painter's Perspective." ROM Magazine Summer 2011, 11.

"Playful Pursuits: Chinese Traditional Toys and Games." Newsletter of the Bishop White Committee, Fall 2010, 2-3.

"In the Shadow of a Tiger: Chinese Puppets Tell a Well-loved Tale." ROM Magazine 43, No. 1(2010), 44.

"By Imperial Command: Chinese Court Paintings from the University of Alberta Museums' Mactaggart Art Collection." Newsletter of the Bishop White Committee, Spring 2009, 2-3.

With Hugh Moss and Victor Graham. A Treasury of Chinese Snuff Bottles: The Mary and George Bloch Collection (Vol. 6, Arts of the Fire). Hong Kong: Herald International Ltd., 2009, 631 pp.

With Hugh Moss and Victor Graham. A Treasury of Chinese Snuff Bottles: The Mary and George Bloch Collection (Vol. 7, Organic, Metal, Mixed Media). Hong Kong: Herald International Ltd., 2008, 1018 pp.

Brilliant Strokes: Chinese Paintings from the Mactaggart Art Collection. Edmonton: Gutteridge Books/University of Alberta Press and University of Alberta Museums, 2008, 82 pp.

"Bridal Wear Revisited." ROM Magazine 41, No. 1(2008), 19.

"Chinese Wallpapers for Western Homes." Newsletter of the Bishop White Committee, Spring 2008, 2-3.

Touched by Indigo: Chinese Blue-and-White Textiles and Embroidery. Toronto: Privately printed, 2005, 80 pp.