Sascha Priewe: A globalized archaeologist

Sascha Priewe standing in front of a Chinese-styles antique gate in ROM. Daisy Li / For China Daily

The 6,300-kilometer-long river had provided him with academic inspiration. His PhD thesis was on Neolithic relics of Hubei and Hunan provinces, both of which are located in the middle reaches of the river.

The strong interest in archaeology led him to London in 2006, mainly because of the British Museum. "The Chinese collection there is unimaginable," he said.

While pursuing his PhD, Priewe worked as a curator and researcher at the museum. "It is a bit of luck that my career as a curator started there," he said.

His diligence is reflected by his frequent appearances at academic lectures. He talks about Chinese bronzes in Asian Art in London, teaches courses at Sotheby's Institute of Art and Christie's Education, and helps organize volunteer projects and academic programs for the museum. Towards the end of 2014, he heard about the job at ROM.

Since joining ROM, his job description has been slightly altered. At the British Museum, most of his work focused on Chinese and Korean art and archaeology. After being appointed managing director of three Centers of Discovery at ROM (Ancient Cultures, World Art and Culture, and Textiles and Fashions), he welcomes the challenge of maintaining a broader outlook on the world's cultures.

There are rich collections of Chinese antiques in the museums of Europe and North America, while art centers and museums in China have started collecting and exhibiting Western arts. Priewe, as a visiting curator at the Shanghai Museum, is thrilled to see special exhibitions on Impressionism and Expressionism there.

"Museums, at times, can be regarded as mirrors," said Priewe. "Through them, a country and even an age can be artistically reflected."

Biography

Sascha Priewe

Education:

- PhD in Archaeology, University of Oxford, 2007-2012

- MA in Chinese Art an Archaeology, University of London, 2006-2007

Career:

- Managing Director of Centres of Discovery, ROM, since March 2015

- Visiting Curator, Shanghai Museum, 2012

- Curator of Chinese and Korean Collections, the British Museum, 2009-2015

- Cultural Attache, German Embassy in Beijing, 2004-2005