Forbidden City meets Palace of Versailles on a cross-cultural journey

As 2024 marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France, the Forbidden City in Beijing and the Palace of Versailles in Paris have joined hands to celebrate cultural exchanges and historical ties by hosting a remarkable exhibition at the Palace Museum in Beijing.

A total of 200 exquisite artifacts are on display, including relics witnessing interactions between the Kangxi Emperor of China's Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and King Louis XIV of France, as well as bespoke items from the Qing Dynasty's Qianlong period.

As prominent representatives of Eastern and Western civilizations, China and France have a longstanding history of cultural exchanges, despite the geographical distances separating them.

Both the Forbidden City and the Palace of Versailles have served as political and cultural epicenters that have influenced global trends. Today, they stand as symbols of their countries’ respective histories and cultures, embodying their unique traditions and spiritual qualities.

Notably, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs archives house a handwritten letter from King Louis XIV to the Kangxi Emperor penned in 1688, underscoring the historical connections between China and France. While the letter itself did not reach Kangxi, he did receive a remarkable gift from Louis XIV – an intricately crafted gilt bronze pocket watch.

Among the highlights of the exhibition is this pocket watch, a testament to the special relationship between the two empires. Adorned with blue translucent enamel and golden lilies, symbols of the French royal court, and featuring a portrait of Louis XIV along with a meticulously carved five-clawed golden dragon representing China, the watch epitomizes the sophistication and depth of Sino-French cultural exchanges.

During the reign of Kangxi, China commissioned orders with Western merchants in Guangzhou. This practice flourished during the Qianlong period, with France being one of the most active partners in this bespoke trade. The extensive collection of French artifacts in the Qing imperial court demonstrates the breadth of this exchange, a legacy still visible in the halls of Versailles today.

As these precious artifacts traverse thousands of kilometers to converge at the Forbidden City, they bear witness to the enduring history of cultural exchanges between China and France. Despite the passage of time, the mutual attraction and historical memories shared between the two nations continue to resonate, creating a rich tapestry of cross-cultural understanding and cooperation that enriches the global narrative of civilization.

The exhibition runs until June 30, 2024.