The beauty and intrinsic value of Asian artworks are derived from exquisite natural materials that have been transformed by the hands of master artists. Nine of the most important substances used to produce Asian art are featured in Jade, Silk and Porcelain: the Materials of Asian Art, an exhibition opening at Pacific Asia Museum on March 9, 2007. This exhibition provides a unique opportunity for the visitor to focus on silk, porcelain, lacquer, ivory, jade and other stones, bamboo, paper, gold, and wood—the primary materials used in Asia for centuries to create rare treasures for domestic, royal, and ritual use. Drawn from Pacific Asia Museum’s permanent collection and select loans, this exhibition will explore the characteristics of these materials, the symbolism and special properties attributed to them, and the techniques implemented by artists to bring out their inherent beauty. Many of these materials, most notably, silk, porcelain, lacquer, bamboo, and paper, were discovered or first worked in Asia.  (From website)