Carriers of history and tradition

This innovation connects China's culture to that of other countries.

"From the Song Dynasty onward, the revival of bronze craftsmanship was akin to the Renaissance in Europe. Bronzes from this period also influenced Japanese tea ceremonies and ikebana (the Japanese art of flower arranging). Many shogun (military rulers), daimyo (feudal lords) and emperors collected and used these artifacts," he says.

A striking bronze-themed banner hangs prominently at the main entrance of The Met. Lu says that he is proud that Chinese culture is on display at such an important American museum.

"Having Chinese culture on display at The Met, right in the heart of Fifth Avenue, is a powerful statement," he says, adding that he hopes "this global exhibition helps more people connect with and appreciate China's history and culture".

"More and more people in the US are showing interest in Chinese culture, and we see this as a great opportunity to deepen cultural understanding with China," he adds.

Max Hollein, director and CEO of The Met, says that "The Met has always been very closely connected with the appreciation and understanding of Chinese art and culture".

"There will definitely be more collaborations in the future, absolutely," he adds.

According to Hollein, the museum is taking a unique approach to Chinese bronzes, showcasing their artistic excellence from 1100 to 1900 and offering a fresh perspective to museumgoers.

"This exhibition is a prime example of partnership, friendship, and collegiality — working together as scholars and curators to develop an important exhibition," Hollein says. "It's a joint effort with the Shanghai Museum to bring together the best examples of Chinese bronzes, to celebrate their ingenuity, artistic excellence and reimagination."

For Chu Xiaobo, director of the Shanghai Museum, the collaboration with The Met reflects the longstanding friendship between the two institutions and is a practical exploration of curation.

"The planning of this exhibition is of great significance in promoting Chinese culture, particularly in highlighting late-period bronzes after the Song Dynasty, which present a unique curatorial perspective," Chu says.

The Met is known around the world for its role in the dissemination of Chinese art, Chu says, adding that museums play a crucial role in fostering cultural exchange.

"This collaboration marks the beginning of a new chapter in the long-term partnership between our two museums and will facilitate broader cultural exchanges with other cultural and art institutions worldwide," Chu says.