This program centers upon a lacquer and gold-leaf decorated Burmese harp, or saung-gauk. Carved from the root of the saung tree, this particular harp was donated by UM alumna Patricia Matusky-Yamaguchi to the University of Michigan Museum of Art after it was painstakingly restored by Clifton Monteith using lacquer and gold leaf. Clifton Monteith, an artist inspired by nature in both form and material, and Judith Becker, an expert on Southeast Asian music, will discuss the restoration and the cultural context of this important instrument. The harp, not yet on display at UMMA, will be on view before the lecture from 3:30 to 4 pm in the Object Study Room (lower level).

Monteith has studied traditional lacquer technique in Japan since 1994 and has incorporated this material in his own artwork, mostly furniture, lanterns, and vessels–all sculptural pieces made with natural materials.

Becker, professor emerita of ethnomusicology, is an expert on Southeast Asian music, including the classical Burmese music for which this harp was used. Her most recent book is Deep Listeners: Music, Emotion, and Trancing (2004).

This lecture coincides with a special presentation of lacquerware made in Japan and the Ryûkyû Islands from the Muromachi to Edo periods in the Japanese Gallery at the Museum. The presentation is supported by the Center for Japanese Studies. Cosponsored by the Center for Southeast Asian Studies, the Center for Japanese Studies, and the University of Michigan Museum of Art.