Harn Museum of Art displays miniature works of Asian Art
Small things are a big deal at the new exhibition “Show Me the Mini.”
Visitors to the University of Florida’s Harn Museum can get up close to diminutive cricket cages, a tiny altar from 16th century India and a dollhouse-size table and chairs from the Ming dynasty — complete with steamed buns and fruit.
The exhibition marks the five-year anniversary of the Harn’s David A. Cofrin Asian Art Wing and includes more than 100 miniature works, from Neolithic vessels to contemporary installations.
Ryuto, 19th century miniature album, ink and color on paper. Museum purchase with funds provided by the Kathleen M. Axline Acquisition Endowment
“The art of miniatures is often an overlooked theme in Asian art,” said Jason Steuber, the Harn’s Cofrin Curator of Asian Art. “The exhibition presents a rare opportunity to remind viewers that art comes in all shapes and sizes.”
To reveal the secrets of these miniature works, researchers from UF’s Nanoscience Institute for Medical and Engineering Technology used 3D nanoscans to see inside of several of the pieces, including a rolled embroidered scroll, interlocking wooden rings and seeds and nuts shaped out of clay. Take a look at the guidebook near the exhibition’s entrance to see what they discovered.
The free exhibition continues through Nov. 25, 2018. Upcoming programs include a gallery talk April 2 at 3 p.m., Family Day April 8 from 1-4 p.m. and Museum Nights May 11 from 6-9 p.m.
Find out more at harn.ufl.edu/showmethemini.
