Cover Journeys at the Level 1 Contemporary Gallery (Image: Courtesy of Asian Civilisations Museum)
Journeys at the Level 1 Contemporary Gallery (Image: Courtesy of Asian Civilisations Museum)
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The Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) presents for the first time ever in this scale and magnitude the historical trade links across the Pacific that connected this corner of the world to the Americas and Europe
When the Western colonial powers came upon the Pacific and Southeast Asia, they discovered an otherworldly community of traders and merchants exchanging goods, beliefs, and cultural influences. Trade and commerce connected people and sparked the flourishing of globalisation. But it was not until the launching of galleon ships that this cultural exchange reached its true potential, as only then did they make the Philippines and Mexico closer than before.
Featuring over 140 exquisite objects spanning the 16th to the 20th century, this special exhibition, titled Manila Galleon: From Asia to the Americas, at the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) investigates how the movement of people, goods, and ideas through the Philippines and Mexico created a distinctive cultural and artistic heritage that was shared between seemingly distant regions.
Above Model of a Manila galleon, scale 1-32. (Image: Courtesy of Asian Civilisations Museum)
Model of a Manila galleon, scale 1-32. (Image: Courtesy of Asian Civilisations Museum)
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Loaned from prestigious international partners, including the Ayala Museum, these rare and important objects range from precious silverware and silks to Chinese porcelain and Japanese lacquer—many of which are displayed publicly for the first time. This exhibition reflects the characteristics of the blended society and highlights the impact of port cities on global affairs.
“Manila Galleon: From Asia to the Americas furthers our exploration of the idea of a global Southeast Asia that was at the very heart of world trade and was a crossroads of people, goods, faiths, cultures, and ideas,” said Kennie Ting, ACM and Peranakan Museum’s director.
Above ‘Tree of Life’ at the Level 2 foyer. (Image: Courtesy of Asian Civilisations Museum)
‘Tree of Life’ at the Level 2 foyer. (Image: Courtesy of Asian Civilisations Museum)
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From 1565 to 1815, enormous ships called galleons sailed annually across the Pacific from Manila to Acapulco, carrying porcelain, silk, spices, and other goods. They returned with millions of pieces of silver to purchase more goods. Manila Galleon: From Asia to the Americas unearths the stories of artists, traders, and consumers of the time, foregrounding the often-overlooked connections and influences behind goods that are ubiquitous today.
“The exhibition spotlights Manila’s role as an entrepot and central node within a global trade network,” Ting said. “The exhibition brings together objects from multiple countries, and we have worked closely with 20 partners from the Latino and Filipino community, locally and abroad—so the show itself serves as a bridge between peoples and cultures,” he continued.
Above Chocolate cup, Mexico, 17th or 18th century, coconut and silver. (Image: Courtesy: Asian Civilisations Museum)
Above Tehuana ensembles comprising tunic (huipil), skirt (enagua), and flounce (holán) from China and Mexico, Oaxaca, Tehuantepec Isthmus. (Image: Courtesy of private collection, Singapore)
Chocolate cup, Mexico, 17th or 18th century, coconut and silver. (Image: Courtesy: Asian Civilisations Museum)
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Above ‘Virgin of the Immaculate Conception’, Philippines, Polo, 18th century, carved and painted molave wood, gold. (Image: Courtesy of Intramuros Administration Collection)
Above St John the Evangelist, Mexico, 17th century, feather mosaic and paper on copper. Courtesy of Daniel Leibsohn collection. Feathers were sacred in pre-Columbian cultures. In devotional images, they added a layer of significance to Christian concepts of the miraculous.
‘Virgin of the Immaculate Conception’, Philippines, Polo, 18th century, carved and painted molave wood, gold. (Image: Courtesy of Intramuros Administration Collection)
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The exhibition begins by introducing visitors to the origins of goods and ideas that are now easily found in Southeast Asia, from natural produce such as chocolate to the introduction of the Christian faith.
Coins, chests, and other objects show how silver carried by the galleons became the first global currency. Mined in large quantities in the Americas, it was greatly desired in China and soon came to dominate trade in Asia. Silver was minted into the Spanish dollar, which became the basis of many of today’s currencies, including the Straits dollar (now the Malaysian ringgit and Singapore dollar), and the US dollar.
Visitors will also be able to imagine life during the galleon trade through displays of maps, archaeological sherds, and digital interactives.
“Personally, this is a subject very close to my heart,” said Ting. “From the time I took on the role of director, I’ve wanted to present an exhibition on the Manila galleon trade. I’m very happy that the exhibition is finally happening. I hope it encourages our visitors to see Southeast Asia in a new light.”
Above Map of the Philippines. (Image: Courtesy of the Fernando and Catherine Zobel de Ayala collection)
Map of the Philippines. (Image: Courtesy of the Fernando and Catherine Zobel de Ayala collection)
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Above Folding screen with view of Mexico City. Attributed to Diego Correa, Mexico. Wood, fabric, oil pigment, varnish. (Image: Courtesy of Museo Nacional de Historia, Castillo de Chapultepec, Ciudad de Mexico, Secretaria de Cultura [INAH])
Folding screen with view of Mexico City. Attributed to Diego Correa, Mexico. Wood, fabric, oil pigment, varnish. (Image: Courtesy of Museo Nacional de Historia, Castillo de Chapultepec, Ciudad de Mexico, Secretaria de Cultura [INAH])
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Manila Galleon presents export porcelain, portable furniture, paintings, textiles, and other objects that travelled Asia, the Americas, and Europe. Made by artists worldwide, from Manila and Acapulco to Kyoto and Guangzhou. These hybrid works were destined for consumers in faraway lands.
The final section of the special exhibition offers a captivating look at how the galleon trade influenced artistic expression in fashion, textiles, and accessories well into the 19th century. During this period, Mexico and the Philippines sought to assert their national identity through a reinvention of traditional fashions.
Highlights include embroidered silk shawls known as the mantónes de Manila (Manila shawls) which became popular in Spain, the Philippines, and the Spanish Americas as a fashionable accessory worn by women, particularly flamenco dancers. Imported from China through Manila and brought to Spain and Europe, the embroidered patterns influenced the Tehuana ensemble, a distinctive form of Mexican dress adopted by celebrated artist Frida Kahlo.
Above Manila shawl. China, early 20th century. Woven and embroidered silk, ivory. (Image: Courtesy of Museo Franz Mayer)
Manila shawl. China, early 20th century. Woven and embroidered silk, ivory. (Image: Courtesy of Museo Franz Mayer)
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Manila Galleon: From Asia to the Americas offers reflections on the legacy of the galleon trade, which continues to be felt through the languages, cuisines and art of the countries involved in the trade. Visitors can also travel further back in time with a display of early Maya and Aztec art from Mesoamerica, displayed near the entrance to the Special Exhibitions Gallery.
Visitors are also invited to reflect on the global impact of port cities and the galleon trade through the intangible cultural heritage of the Philippines and Mexico. There are immersive installations around the museum, reimagined bazaars, digital and on-site programmes, curator tours, and weekend festivals for people of all backgrounds, abilities, and ages.
Extending the exhibition experience beyond the museum, ACM has collaborated with various partners to offer a range of promotions. Stay tuned for more details on ACM’s website.
The exhibition runs until March 17.
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About
Before assuming the Art and Culture Editor position, Franz has always had a penchant for visual and performing arts. He is passionate about exploring and writing about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright.
Work
Franz earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas. He writes about local visual and performing artists and their craft; drinks wines, liquors, and spirits and talks about the creativity of their respective winemakers and master blenders; tries to learn more about business and investments; respects the tradition and artistry that go behind the making of watches and jewellery; and appreciates the genius of architecture and creative design.
As head of Tatler Philippines’ pool of writers, he helps them bring impactful and socially relevant stories to light.
For any leads, you may reach him through @franzsorillaiv on Instagram or franz@tatlerphilippines.com via email.
