After the art of porcelain, that the Guimet Museum it was in the spotlight in June as part of the China 2024 program, celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, gold medal. “Bling-bling!” »comments, in an amused tone, the president of the Parisian establishment, Yannick Lintz. Thanks to a loan from the Qujiang Museum of Fine Arts in Xi’an, central-east China, the National Museum of Asian Arts on Place Iéna in Paris presents an extraordinary collection of gold objects and jewelry from the Ming Dynasty (1368) . -1644). It was formed by Chinese businessman and patron of Vietnamese origin Peter Vien Kwok, founder in 2012 of the Xi’an establishment and, in addition to his investments in art, owner of six châteaux in Bordeaux.
The number of pieces presented is quite limited (121 objects and jewelry, mainly dating from the 16th centurye century and made by the imperial goldsmith), but the collection is no less exceptional. Some of the gold pieces from the Ming era were melted down in the following centuries to accompany the fashion with new creations. Objects found in the art market were saved from destruction by the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and, discovered during archaeological excavations that uncovered princely or imperial tombs, were given as diplomatic gifts or looted during wars.
Contemporary with the Italian Renaissance, the Ming (meaning “shining”) period is one of the most important periods of Chinese civilization. It is marked by maritime explorations – including those of Zheng He (1371-1435)) –, from which all kinds of riches are brought from distant lands, through the construction of the Forbidden City and the Great Wall. A period in which gold came to replace jade, until then considered the most precious material, for objects intended for worship and the court.
Jewelery scenography
Due to trade with the Americas and mining production in southeastern China, the metal circulated in abundance. The advantages of this material: it does not oxidize and can be easily modeled (an educational video made with the School of Jewelery Arts explains the various techniques, from hammering to filigree, including tracing), giving artisans and artists complete freedom to express their creativity . This was spurred by strong demand from elites, and especially the new class of wealthy merchants, who aspired to replicate the court way of life.
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