Chinanews.com, Shanghai News, April 30 (Reporter Wang Ji) "Foreign porcelain and brilliance - Hong Kong Chinese University Museum Collection of Cantonese Enamel Special Exhibition" opened on the 30th in the World Expo Museum No. 1 temporary exhibition hall, exhibits including 136 pieces/sets of enamel, presenting an aesthetic feast that integrates China and the West.
"Foreign Porcelain and Extravaganza - Special Exhibition of Cantonese Enamel from the Art Museum of the University of Chinese of Hong Kong". Photo courtesy of the organizer
As an art form introduced to China from the West in the late 17th century, Cantonese enamel occupies an important place in the history of cultural exchanges between China and the West. After the "foreign porcelain" originated from the West was recreated by integrating Chinese craftsmanship, it was regarded by Westerners as a "brilliance" with Chinese characteristics. The same kind of artifact and two different names have witnessed the exchanges and dialogues between different civilizations, and confirmed that "the vitality of civilization lies in the exchange, exchange and blending".
As a product of the fusion of two civilizations, Guangenamel shows an unparalleled artistic charm with exquisite craftsmanship, delicate and clear color and texture. Cantonese enamel includes painted enamel, transparent enamel, cloisonné enamel, chisel enamel and other craft types, so far only the painted enamel has been handed down, the rest have been lost. This exhibition exhibits the enamel of copper fetal paintings made in Guangdong in the Qing Dynasty, represented by Kang Yongqian.
"Foreign Porcelain and Extravaganza - Special Exhibition of Cantonese Enamel from the Art Museum of the University of Chinese of Hong Kong". Photo courtesy of the organizer
The exhibition is divided into 3 units. The first unit is "Communication" - "Porcelain" from the West, through paintings and background explanations, leading the audience to go back to the Guangzhou port after the opening of the sea by Kangxi, and through a series of exhibits that draw Western characters with strange shapes and appearances, similar to China and the West, to show the influence of Western culture on China and the exchange and integration of Chinese and Western cultures at the technical level.
The second unit is "Blending" - Chinese Painting on "Foreign Porcelain", focusing on the development of Guangenamel and the formation of Guangcai. Visitors can see traces of the integration of Chinese enamel with traditional Chinese culture, especially the application of Chinese painting techniques to the enamel process, and the resulting artistic style with Chinese characteristics. Works such as "Flower and Bird Pattern Plate" and "Kaiguang Courtyard Figure Vase" incorporate elements of Chinese flowers, landscapes and figure paintings, showing the perfect combination of Chinese and Western art styles.
"Foreign Porcelain and Extravaganza - Special Exhibition of Cantonese Enamel from the Art Museum of the University of Chinese of Hong Kong". Photo courtesy of the organizer
The third unit is "Communication" - "Huacai" from China, which tells the impact of Guangcai on the world after returning to the West. With its fine craftsmanship and dignified style, the enamel of the tribute court reflected the high standards of the royal aesthetic and craftsmanship, and the enamel exported to the European market was designed to integrate the use habits of the West and the traditional aesthetics of China, and became an important carrier of the popularity of "Chinese style" in the 18th century, which had an important impact on the artistic aesthetics of Europe. Works such as "Folded Flowers, Vegetables, and Fruits, Beams, Pots, and Beast Foot Furnaces" tell how the Sinicized Cantonese enamel returned to the Western market and influenced other regions.
The exhibition will run until July 21. (ENDS)
Editor: Wang Ji