After the Northern Song period, the flourishing of the arts and letters peaked again in China during the 1560s-1670s. While this period was wrought with political instability and dynastic change, Jiangnan remained the most affluent region where scholars and gentry cultivated and aspired to an elegant lifestyle. The atmosphere was so liberal that the literati were eager to break free from the ancient tradition and to give expression to their individuality through brush and ink. In satisfying the aesthetic requirements that varied from class to class, craftsmen were encouraged to perfect their skills so as to produce diversely exquisite wares. From the subtlety for the literati, to the floridity for the general public and anything in between, a kaleidoscope of styles emerged. Further contributing to this vibrant scene were the export ware destined for overseas markets that were constantly growing in an era of trade.

The exhibition features 195 precious art objects from the CUHK Art Museum and Shanghai Museum, as well as other prominent local and foreign collections to reveal the texture of life in late Ming Jiangnan.