Life of Guangzhou - The History of European Porcelain: Exhibition

A two-month long exhibition "East Wind Blowing Westwards" is being held at the Guangzhou Museum presenting the development of European porcelain. All 177 exhibits were donated to the Shanghai History Museum in 2008 by Canadian collector Laszlo Parakovits and his Chinese-born wife, Sun Jianwei.

When Europe made contact with the Middle Kingdom, the effects it had on both societies were remarquable and long lasting. It was a mysterious land, difficult to access and understand in part due to the huge cultural and linguistic gap, but also due to Chinese policies which had maintained the country in a state of isolation for the previous few centuries. The Middle Kingdom became known by the name of its major export, china.

During the 17th century, Chinese porcelain entered European royal courts as luxury items, but as the quantity of china increased it became common is most well-off families. European artisans started producing their own porcelain which often became as famous as eastern imports.

The exquisite exhibits include tableware, jasperware, decorative figurines and accessories and even a clock, manufactured by the most prestigious brands in Europe including Meissen in Germany, Wedgwood and Staffordshire in Britain, Sèvres in France, and Capodimonte in Italy.

A "Blue onion" table set

Two pillow-pattern dishes

"Blue onion" and "pillow" were the earliest patterns found on these European porcelains probably influenced by Jingdezheng porcelain exported in the 18th century. Later, in 1722, the German brand "Meissen" primarily manufactured tea sets and tableware for the royal family. Today, it has become one of most popular brands for collectors all around the world. Dresden porcelain, another German brand, extended the use of porcelain to the decorative arts. Their designs combining French rocaille were widely employed in their colorful painted figurines. As for Staffordshire in the UK, from 1820 onwards they produced tableware, figurines and even high-heel shoes, many of which were exported to America.

High-heel shoes

A porcelain dish displayed at the first London Expo in 1851

When: 9:00-17:30 from August 26th to October 24th, 2010
Where: Guangzhou Museum [More]
Ticket: 10 yuan

(By Jessie Huang and David Keyton, photographed by Jessie)