“Since ancient times, gold has been considered in China as a symbol of wealth and social status, alongside bronze, jade and silk. Under the Ming (1368-1644), goldsmithing reached unparalleled luxury and delicacy. This unparalleled refinement of the art of jewelry, with its baroque and abundant aesthetic, is testimony to the splendor of this dynasty, today considered a golden age of Chinese civilization. »
The Ming period constitutes one of the three golden ages (along with the Han and Tang periods) of Chinese civilization. A time when China (already!) constitutes a central cog in world trade due to the growth of its population and the expansion of its economy and its foreign trade. The strong demand for Chinese products from Europe is the source: silk, porcelain, lacquer, ivory, etc.
This trade is a source of enrichment for families of merchants who constantly demonstrate their prosperity and their social status.
Gold comes from mines located in the southwest of the country and is imported, like silver which comes from South America via the Philippines. It is an easy metal to work, which does not oxidize, melts at a temperature of 1064° (porcelain is fired at 1280°), easy to draw, ductile, which can be hammered, granulate, set with precious stones (jade, rubies, sapphires, spinels… I haven’t seen any diamonds.)
Two groups of objects are presented in this exhibition: ceremonial tableware intended to present rare dishes at banquets offered by merchant elites, and feminine jewelry, mainly hairpins, earrings, bracelets, all objects worn in pairs.
We admire the spidery finesse of the carving, the symbolic motifs supposed to bring wealth, happiness, health, longevity with flowers, dragons, birds, lanterns, gourds (?), some scholar’s sticks also see above, inlaid with rubies and jade. Some of these ornaments would not be out of fashion today.
We are amazed, we also understand the frenzy of purchasing luxury objects which seizes the contemporary rich Chinese and which delights our industrialists in the sector… We also sense a well-understood action of Chinese “soft power” today which reminds us that the Middle Kingdom has always occupied a preponderant place – if not the first – in world trade.
Ming gold, splendor and beauty of imperial China (14th-17th century) Exhibition at the Museum (Rotonde of the 2th floor) until January 13. 6 place d’Iena, Paris 16th. €13, from 10 a.m., closed Tuesday.
