2024 marks the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism and the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France. Jointly organized by the China National Silk Museum and the Musées Gadagne (Musée d'Histoire de Lyon), the exhibition Lyon in the 18th Century: The Prosperity of the Silk Capital in the Age of Enlightenment was unveiled on June 7 at the China National Silk Museum in Hangzhou, China.
With the “Silk Capital of France”, Lyon, as its focus, the exhibition features 36 pieces (sets), including 25 pieces (sets) from France. The exhibits consist of 18th century architectural models of French cities, silk fabrics, clothing, portraits, ceramics, furniture and clocks. Through paintings and objects, the exhibition showcases a history of France’s social and economic development, and its evolutions in fashion. It also recounts the history of Lyon—France’s second largest city in the 18th century—and the role it played in taking the French silk industry to its zenith. Chinoiserie elements in paintings and clothing, reflecting the cultural exchanges between China and the West, are also presented in the exhibition.
Léa Herlet, a representative of the Musée d'Histoire de Lyon who assisted in the curation of the exhibition in China, has indicated that that silk production has always been an important theme in the cultural and technical exchanges between China and France. She hopes that Hangzhou and Lyon, which are both cities renowned for their silk production, will further deepen their exchanges. Ji Xiaofeng, Director of the China National Silk Museum, hopes that silk will continue to serve as a medium for further cultural exchanges and mutual learning between China and France.
Source: China National Silk Museum, Xinhua News