Silver Linings: The global silver trade and its impact on Imperial China

Bishop White Committee: Friends of East Asia
Silver Linings: The global silver trade and its impact on Imperial China
Monday, May 29, 2023, 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm EDT

Beginning in the 16th century, China became silver’s most important market. Used as a medium for commerce and cultural exchange, silversmiths in China produced objects for both domestic and overseas connoisseurs. Join us on an exploration of this fascinating period with two eminent speakers, Dr. Timothy Brook and Dr. Peter Kaellgren. Highlighting silver treasures in ROM collections, they lead us on a journey of discovery through the history of global silver trade.

Speakers: 

Timothy Brook is a Canadian historian whose writings situate China in the world and bring the perspective of the world to our understanding of China. He is the author of Vermeer’s Hat, Mr. Selden’s Map of China, and Great States: China and the World. He recently retired from a career of teaching at the university of Toronto, Stanford, Oxford and British Columbia. 

Peter Kaellgren, ROM Curator Emeritus, joined the staff of the European Department in 1972. He was responsible for major museum acquisitions and galleries, published and lectured widely and developed courses for the University of Toronto. He is a member of the Silver Society (England) and a founding member of the Silver Society of Canada. 

The Lecture will be followed by a wine reception with Asian-inspired refreshments.

Proceeds of the Bishop White Committee programs will benefit the East Asian section (China, Japan, Korea) of the Royal Ontario Museum.

Bishop White Committee is organized by the ROM's Department of Museum Volunteers to provide support for the Museum. 

This event commemorates the important contributions to ROM and the
Department of Museum Volunteers by the late Danuta Buczynski and celebrates
Asian heritage month.