Taiwan Today

An exhibition of Chinese artwork sourced from the collections of Ching dynasty Emperor Kangxi and France’s King Louis XIV will open next year at the National Palace Museum as part of celebrations marking the Republic of China’s centennial anniversary. “There was no official contact between the rulers of China and France 300 years ago,” said NPM Director Chou Kung-shin Feb. 2. “But each man was aware of the other's empire and the collection of porcelains, enamels and lacquerwares we plan to display is proof of this.” The exhibition will feature items from Beijing Palace Museum, Guimet Museum in Paris and the Palace of Versailles. Chou secured the French loan items during a trip to Europe last month, according to the NPM. “There were very few pieces of Chinese art in Europe around the time of King Louis in the 17th century,” Chou said, “although most of what was on the continent could be found in France at Versailles, including furniture, vases and other ornamental items.” The director said the majority of Chinese artwork made its way to Europe via Jesuit priests returning from their missions in Asia. “In addition to spreading the word, these men facilitated the exchange of cultural knowledge between the two empires.” Chou said both China and France’s monarchs shared a passion for art that was reflected in the high quality of their collections. “King Louis was so enamored with Chinese art that he ordered the construction of the Porcelain Pavilion at Versailles, which was later torn down and replaced by Trianon Palace,” she added. (PCT-JSM)