Side and Rear Galleries

The Side and Rear Galleries at The Maridon Museum in Butler, PA, continue the journey through the museum’s collection of Chinese and Japanese art. Together they reveal the eye and personality of museum founder Mary Hulton Phillips.

A Collector’s Personal Favorites

These galleries present objects that held special value for Mrs. Phillips because of their uniqueness, age, material, or provenance. Though the pieces differ widely, they share her affinity for the human figure. Many depict people, from portrayals of ordinary people and scenes of daily life to emperors and legendary figures.

The World of the Chinese Scholar

The Rear Gallery features a special exhibit on the Chinese scholar, or mandarin. Scholars completed a rigorous education to earn their status as “cultivated gentlemen” and representatives of the emperor. Part public official, part educator, and part guardian of morals and ethics, the mandarin strived for the highest refinement in painting, calligraphy, and poetry.

The Maridon’s display includes scrolls fronted by a scholar’s table set with the tools of these artistic pursuits:

  • Ancient decorated ink blocks and ink stones
  • Scroll boxes and brush pots
  • A flywhisk and a contemplative rock
  • A scholar’s chair

Tours of the Side and Rear Galleries

Free docent tours are available and add insight into the art, history, and craftsmanship on display. Reservations are required for group tours and are suggested for docent tours and the video presentation. Call 724.282.0123 to reserve.

Continue your visit: Start in the Front Gallery and finish in the Meissen Gallery. See hours and admission to plan your visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about the Side and Rear Galleries at The Maridon Museum in Butler, PA.

What is in the Side and Rear Galleries at The Maridon Museum?
The Side and Rear Galleries display Chinese and Japanese art that Mary Hulton Phillips valued for its uniqueness, age, material, or provenance. Many pieces depict people, including scenes of daily life, emperors, and legendary figures. The Rear Gallery also features an exhibit on the world of the Chinese scholar.
What is the Chinese scholar exhibit?
The Rear Gallery exhibit explores the Chinese scholar, or mandarin, who pursued refinement in painting, calligraphy, and poetry. It includes scrolls and a scholar’s table set with ink blocks, ink stones, scroll boxes, brush pots, a flywhisk, a contemplative rock, and a scholar’s chair.
Who were Chinese scholars, or mandarins?
Chinese scholars, or mandarins, completed a rigorous education to earn their status as cultivated gentlemen and representatives of the emperor. They served as part public official, part educator, and part guardian of morals and ethics.
What is a scholar’s table?
A scholar’s table held the tools a Chinese scholar used for painting, calligraphy, and poetry. The Maridon’s table displays ancient decorated ink blocks, ink stones, scroll boxes, brush pots, a flywhisk, and a contemplative rock, alongside a scholar’s chair.
What themes connect the art in these galleries?
The works reflect Mrs. Phillips’ affinity for the human figure. Many depict people, from ordinary people and daily life to emperors and legendary figures.
Are tours of the Side and Rear Galleries available?
Yes. Free docent tours are available. Reservations are required for group tours and suggested for docent tours and the video presentation. Call 724.282.0123 to schedule.
What else can I see at The Maridon?
The Front Gallery features jade and ivory sculptures up to 4 feet tall and Chinese paintings spanning more than 350 years. The Meissen Gallery holds 300 pieces of German Meissen porcelain.
When is The Maridon Museum open?
The Maridon is open Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $4 for adults, $3 for seniors and students, and free for children under 8. See hours and admission.


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