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| Home » Notable Events » 1933 Century of Progress Exposition |
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| 1933 Century of Progress Exposition Documents |
Chinese Pavilion at Fair to Be Thrown Open Today; $1,000,000 Pagoda Shown
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By John Drury.
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Source: Chicago Daily News, 5 June 1933, pg. 9.
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The Chinese pavilion, featuring as its central exhibit the famous $1,000,000 model pagoda of green jade, will be opened to the public for the first time today at the world's fair. Fitting ceremonies will be held and representatives of the Chinese government as well as many prominent Chinese-Americans will be in attendance.
The pavilion is the central building around which are grouped other Chinese structures and layouts—a restaurant, theater, gardens and large hand-carved pagoda. The group is located near the 18th street entrance to the fair grounds, immediately west of the Hall of Science.
"This pavilion was erected by the Chinese government and is operated by the Chinese Exhibitors' Association," explained Z. L. Chang, manager of the association. "Here we show you the China of today, including its arts and industries and architecture."
Regarded as Masterpiece.
The model pagoda is regarded as one of the finest examples of jade carving known. It is fifty-one inches high and represents sixteen years of continuous work. It is cut out of a solid piece of jade and more than 500 carvers had a hand in its making. The pagoda design was chosen because of its religious significance. To a Chinese the pagoda carries something of the reference that the cross does to a Christian.
The model pagoda is flanked on either side by two other outstanding exhibits. These are the green jade lamps modeled after the ones used in the imperial palace during the Tang dynasty. These lamps, as well as the carved pagoda, have already become known as "the three wonders of modern China."
"Because of their great value and because they are extremely fragile, there were many leading people in China who did not want them moved out of the country," said Mr. Chang. "But the owners felt that the western world should see these exhibits and so we have brought them."
Chinese Wares Displayed.
After passing through the main building, decorated in Chinese red and apple-green, the visitor comes upon a landscaped garden. Surrounding it are shops and booths displaying various wares from different Chinese provinces—porcelain, embroideries, jades, lacquer objects, ivories, perfumes and other art objects. The Jade Pavilion, in which the famed model of the pagoda is exhibited, faces the main building at the opposite end of the garden.
On the east end is the Chinese theater, featuring a typical Oriental stage. There will be acrobatic shows, as well as ancient dramas staged here daily and nightly. Near the theater is the Celestial Tearoom, offering native Chinese dainties and imported tea.
West of the pavilion is the large China cafe, an open-air restaurant where full-course native meals will be served. It is decorated in gay colors and at night will be festooned with lanterns. At the entrance of the cafe is the tall, full-sized pagoda, carved by hand and noted for its ingenious designs.
[End of news article]
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Page compiled: 14 January 2006
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