Beijing exhibition offers showcase of fine Qing Dynasty glassware

An exhibition of fine glassware from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) collected by the Palace Museum is currently on display at the Guardian Art Center in Beijing. More than 120 sets of artifacts are on exhibition, providing a comprehensive overview of their color, shape, decoration, craftsmanship and use in court life.

The history of glass production in China can be traced back to the Western Zhou Dynasty (1046-771 BC). And after more than 2,300 years of development, ancient Chinese glass production reached its peak during the Qing Dynasty. In 1696, the Qing palace established a glass workshop, through which it not only absorbed the advanced glass technology brought by missionaries from Europe, but also endeavored to maintain the traditional appearance and designs. As a result, Qing glassware maintained the unified style of the court, where it occasionally sparkled with the special charm of foreign cultures.

The Palace Museum and the Guardian Art Centre hope that this exhibition will provide audiences with a visual feast that brings together Eastern and Western craft cultures, integrating traditional and modern aesthetic styles.