The Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens is pleased to present One Man’s View: a Collection of Chinese Art and Antiquities, The Shepps Collection, from October 2-November 10,

an exhibition and collector sale benefitting the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens. The exhibition will opening Wednesday, October 2, with works on exhibition through Sunday, November 10, 2013. A preview catalog of the work is available at www.ansg.org/exhibition. Guided Tours of the exhibition will be held each Wednesday, at 11am. Reservations are recommended.

This unique and exciting collection of Chinese Antiquities was acquired by the late Ben Shepps, Esq., from 1945 to 1982. Mr. Shepps lived in China for five years from 1945 to 1950, acquiring antiquities for major American dealers and becoming the US Customs jade expert. He returned to the United States to attend law school, becoming a prominent Estate Attorney on Long Island in New York. He acquired an antique export license from the Chinese Government and made ten trips annually to China until his death in 2003, at which point his family inherited the collection. The works will be for sale and a portion of each sale will benefit the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens.
The current exhibition of over ninety fine objects comprises pieces of various mediums, periods and styles of Chinese art. Chinese history dates back more than 5,000 years and is extraordinarily rich and complex. This collection includes examples dating from as early as the Neolithic Era (3100 – 1500 BCE) through the relatively modern era of the Qing dynasty (1644 – 1911.)
There are fine examples of Chinese Neolithic pottery, delicate and durable, artfully decorated and serving both practical and ritual purposes. The Han dynasty, (221 BCE-206 CE) the first of China’s four great dynasties is well represented with ceramic and bronze objects. The second of the four great dynastic periods, Tang (618-907) features beautiful glazed vessels and large earthenware camels. The last of the outstanding dynasties, the Ming dynasty (1368-1644 CE) during which the Forbidden City was constructed, is well represented in this exhibition, with over thirty unique objects, including the famous tomb furniture, along with other beautiful ceramics. Ming leaders revived a sense of cultural identity and respect for traditional artifacts and craftsmanship.
This important collection is unique in that it spans such a broad spectrum of Chinese history and art, affording a chance to view that progress and appreciate the continuity of the cultural contribution this ancient and modern country has bestowed upon us.
About the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens: The historic Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, Inc. is a recognized 501(c)(3) operating foundation established in 1977 by the prominent sculptor Ann Weaver Norton (1905-1982). The organization has grown to be an important cultural institution giving the community and visitors an opportunity to explore nature and art in an environmentally conscience urban environment. Dedicated to preserving the historic beauty of The Ann Norton Sculpture Garden, the nationally designated property and 2.2 acre urban gardens are home to over 300 species of tropical palms and native plants — one of the most significant collections in Florida.
The Gardens are conveniently located at 2051 South Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach, Florida at the corner of S. Flagler and Barcelona Road. On street parking is available. The Sculpture gardens, exhibition galleries and artist studio are currently open Wednesday-Sunday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Free for members, admission applies for general public.
Available services include: exhibitions, guided tours of the gardens and Norton’s original sculpture studio, guest lectures, and educational programs. All programs promote a preservation ethic and incorporate the arts, environmental awareness, and interpretive history of Ann Weaver Norton.
If you would like more information on this topic or to schedule an interview, please call Cynthia E. Palmieri, Ex. Director at [email protected] or 561-832-5328
Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens located at 2501 South Flagler Drive in West Palm Beach

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