The special exhibition Chinese Ming Dynasty Goldware was unveiled on June 21 at the Ducal Museum Gotha in Germany, celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union as well as the 1,250th anniversary of the founding of Gotha in Thuringia, Germany. Jointly organized by the Xi’an Qujiang Museum of Fine Arts and the Friedenstein Foundation Gotha, the event welcomed over a hundred guests at its opening ceremony.
The exhibition features 79 exceptional pieces/sets of goldware from China’s Ming dynasty (1368–1644), carefully selected from the collections of the Xi’an Qujiang Museum of Fine Arts. Through historical context, craftsmanship, decorative designs, and cultural and artistic significance, the exhibition highlights the artistic excellence and cultural legacy of the Ming dynasty goldware, while also offering insight into the period’s history and foreign diplomatic exchanges.
A centerpiece of the exhibition is a group of jewel-encrusted wine vessels and ornaments, which recounts the tale of how exotic treasures brought back to China by Admiral Zheng He during his maritime expeditions were blended with local techniques and aesthetics. These works embody the inclusive spirit of Chinese culture, which embraces the principle that “all civilizations can appreciate each other's beauty while valuing their own and achieve common development.” Also on display are finely crafted gold hairpins, earrings and bracelets, offering a glimpse into the social trends and aesthetic tastes of the Ming era.
Presented alongside Chinese Ming Dynasty Goldware is the exhibition Gotha’s Treasures. Together, these showcases of Chinese and German treasures create a unique platform for intercultural exchange between the two countries.
The exhibition is open until January 11, 2026.
Source: Xinhua News