The link between China and Europe can be traced throughout the three-century empire of the Qing dynasty (1644-1911). This sweeping and essential phase of Chinese history in relation to Europe’s is reflected through sumptuous cross-cultural gift-exchanges made as the Western territory attempted to build official trade relationships with the East. The Chinese established trade barriers — with the exception of the port of Canton — despite the nation’s interest in Europe-pioneered discoveries in science and production of fine art.
An upcoming Berlin exhibition, “Exchanging Gazes, on display from September 29, examines the mutual fascination of these respectively far-flung cultures by way of objects, which date from between 1669 to 1907. Many of the nearly 100 pieces could be deemed ‘Chinoiserie’ or ‘Europerie,’ as they provide visual clues and cues about the early modern images the Chinese and Europeans each had about the other. Paintings, porcelain, large-format photographs, copper engravings, and even a door from a wood-paneled room provide evidence of past visions of this fascinating “other.”
A while later, on October 12, another Chinese-themed exhibition will commence: “Portrait Painting of the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368-1912).” The selections of more than 100 paintings from the collections of the Palace Museum Beijing and the Royal Ontario Museum Toronto have rarely ever been shown in Europe. These portraits depict members of the imperial court, military figures, and artists, among other subjects.
{{/usCountry}}A while later, on October 12, another Chinese-themed exhibition will commence: “Portrait Painting of the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368-1912).” The selections of more than 100 paintings from the collections of the Palace Museum Beijing and the Royal Ontario Museum Toronto have rarely ever been shown in Europe. These portraits depict members of the imperial court, military figures, and artists, among other subjects.
{{/usCountry}}Already on view within the overarching Staatliche Museen zu Berlin cultural group is “Working on History: Contemporary Chinese Photography and the Cultural Revolution,” curated by a German-Chinese team (on display till January 7, 2018). The exhibition examines the consequences of the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) on today’s Chinese art and photography production, highlighting the use of photography as a medium for propaganda, as well as its role in censorship, montage, ritual re-enactment, and identity.
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