A shared celebration of cultures

In 2014, the Palace of Versailles held an exhibition featuring China-related oil paintings, sketches, woodblock paintings, textiles, pottery and lacquerware, among other items, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

It was on the basis of the 2014 exhibition that the two museums decided to host a larger-scale and more comprehensive version, Guo said at a news conference on Jan 4.

The Palace of Versailles will bring to Beijing its new collection of Chinese art pieces or those objects inspired by Chinese art, including a Chinese-style silver pot from the envoys of Siam (now Thailand) in 1686 as a tribute to King Louis XIV and Chinese porcelain tableware decorated with armorial bearings of King Louis XV.

The 105 pieces of cultural relics from the French museum to be on show represent the French court's fascination with Chinese culture and civilization, and the inspiration French artists and intellectuals got from Chinese art, according to Guo.

By seeing another 72 pieces housed at the Palace Museum in Beijing, including French paintings, antique clocks and watches, scientific instruments and books, visitors can feel the French influence at the royal Qing palace.

They will learn about direct interactions between Emperor Kangxi and King Louis XIV — a pocket watch sent by the French monarch to the Chinese ruler as a gift, for example — tailored artworks from France that were ordered by the Qing court and pieces made by French artisans working for the Qing court.

To celebrate the 60-year diplomatic bond between the two countries and enhance friendship, a variety of other events for the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism will be held in both countries.