VISIONS OF CATHAY: The West’s unending fascination with the East with Tony Preston

At its giddy height in the mid 18th century, the phenomenon of chinoiserie – the innumerable European notions of Eastern exoticism, based on ‘visions of Cathay’ was garnered from imported objets de vertu and often wildly unreliable travellers’ tales.

This lecture will trace the fascinating waxing and waning of this fashion from the 15th century onwards.

Tony Preston has extensive experience in the art world, nationally and internationally and was Chief Education Officer and Public Programs Coordinator at the National Gallery of Victoria.