Objects of Addiction: Collecting Chinese Art—Past, Present and Future

In conjunction with the exhibition "Objects of Addiction: Opium, Empire, and the Chinese Art Trade," curators and specialists will explore early collecting of Chinese art in Massachusetts, historical interpretations of cultural heritage and how contemporary museum collecting practices have changed and will continue to change in the future. The event will be moderated by Soyoung Lee and the speakers are Nancy Berliner, Amy Brauer, Sarah Laursen and Lisong Liu. Admission is free, but seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. The lecture will take place in Menschel Hall, Lower Level. Doors will open for seating at 1:30pm. Before and after the lecture, guests are invited to visit the exhibition on Level 3.

"Objects of Addiction: Opium, Empire, and the Chinese Art Trade" (on view through January 14) explores the entwined histories of the opium trade and the Chinese art market between the late 18th and early 20th centuries. These two commodities—acquired through both legal and illicit means—had profound effects on the global economy, public health, immigration law, education and the arts that are reverberating still today.