An exhibition project of the Art and Exhibition Hall of the Federal Republic of Germany in cooperation with the Berlin State Museums / Preußischer Kulturbesitz Foundation
Berlin, Altes Museum:18 July 2003 to 12 October 2003Bonn, Art and Exhibition Hall of the Federal Republic of Germany:21 November 2003 to 15 February 2004
The Palace Museum in Taipei, built in 1965, houses the largest collection of Chinese art in the world. Many of the 650 000 objects have not been exhibited or made public to this day. The Art and Exhibition Hall of the Federal Republic of Germany was granted the privilege of making for itself a selection of 400 exhibits to be shown in Berlin and Bonn. They will be on view for 3 months in each of the cities. The exhibits include two separate lots of 80 master pieces each, consisting of painting, calligraphy, books, silk ribbon weaving and embroidery. The remaining exhibits are the same in both locations. Also on exhibition are early bronze ritual vessels, jade carvings from antiquity to modern times, select ceramics and porcelain, illuminated Buddhist writings, rare lacquer works, early cloisonne and carvings of bamboo, ivory and other precious materials. Precious objects from the studios of scholars and gifts "from far countries" given in tribute will also be on show.
This year, the art collection of the Chinese imperial court " held for the most part in the National Palace Museum in Taipei, Taiwan " will be on show for the first time in Berlin and Bonn. The traditional standing of the collection as a legacy of imperial China and symbol of the national cultural heritage gives this exhibition its exceptional historical significance. The changeful fate of the imperial collection illustrates in a unique way the history of China from the perspective of preserving and passing on artistic achievements. Master pieces from all periods of Chinese art and cultural history " from the Neolithic age to the coming of the modern era are on show in this exhibition.
The selection of the works reflects the diversity, creativity and functions of Chinese art alongside key social, intellectual and political currents. A thematic focus is provided by human beings, their relationship to nature and position in society. The complex stylistic language of Chinese art is illustrated in its two main streams. The brilliant pictorial language from the tradition of scholarship is contrasted with the sensuous magnificence of the courtly aristocracy with its many symbols. Imperial patronage is examined in the tension between aesthetic values, moral ideals and political objectives. In this context particular attention is paid to the Qian Long reign (1736-1796) of the emperor and art connoisseur Gao Zong.
A catalogue, supporting programme and film will accompany the exhibition.
As a contribution to inter-cultural dialogue, the Berlin State Museums / Preußischer Kulturbesitz Foundation will in turn send the exhibition From Classicism and Romanticism to the Modern Era - 150 Years of German Art to Taipei in 2004.
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