Collector displays Chinese wares exported to Europe

About 60 pieces of Chinese porcelain, dating to the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, are on display at Beihai Park in Beijing. The antiques are collected by Fei Yuliang. [Photo provided to China Daily]

On Sept 28, Fei Yuliang arrived at Beihai Park, an ancient royal garden in Beijing, with joy.

About 60 pieces of Chinese porcelain that he'd collected over the past three decades in the Netherlands were being exhibited there.

The ongoing display, which runs through Sunday, shows porcelain bowls, vases and other wares from the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties that had once been exported.

Their designs, vibrant colors and artisanship fascinate visitors.

"Whether at home or abroad, porcelain showcases this unique Chinese culture," says Fei, president of the European Chinese Antique Collectors Association.

International audiences are familiar with Chinese porcelain.

Chinese porcelain was exported to Europe via such trade routes as the ancient Silk Road centuries ago.

Back then, Chinese porcelain exports were regarded as luxury items by well-established families. The items were usually customized and made exclusively for export to Europe and later North America. So, foreign merchants usually traveled thousands of miles to buy them from China.

"Fei has been devoting himself to the spread of traditional Chinese culture in the world," says Zhu Wei, director of Beihai Park. "The exhibits symbolize cultural exchanges between China and Europe."