VIENNA, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- An exhibition featuring art from China's Forbidden City opened on Tuesday at Vienna's Kunsthistorisches Museum, exploring the parallels and contrasts between East and West in their artistic expressions of power, culture, and ideals of life.
Titled Art and Aesthetics from China's Forbidden City, the special exhibition showcases 76 masterpieces from the Palace Museum in Beijing, most of which were being shown in Europe for the first time.
The Palace Museum is a world-leading museum with an absolutely superb collection, part of which can be seen here, said Jonathan Fine, director of the Kunsthistorisches Museum.
The works on display include jade, porcelain, lacquerware, enamel objects, and clocks, reflecting the artistic and technical achievements of 18th-century Chinese court art and craftsmanship.
The centerpiece of the exhibition is a gilt-bronze filigree ruyi sceptre inlaid with jade. It demonstrated not only the exquisite craftsmanship of Chinese filigree work but also carried the auspicious meaning of "happiness and blessing."
"This event serves as a flagship cultural activity celebrating the 55th anniversary of China-Austria diplomatic relations in 2026," said Chinese Ambassador to Austria Qi Mei. She added that the exhibition reflects the enduring friendship between the two nations, a bond dating back to the ancient Silk Road.
Liu Zhenghong, deputy director of the Department of Court History at the Palace Museum, said that Vienna remains one of Europe's cultural capitals, and this exhibition builds a cultural bridge between the city and the Forbidden City. He expressed hope for more exchanges and cooperation between the Palace Museum and international institutions.
Jointly curated by the Palace Museum and the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the exhibition will run until April 6, 2026.
