The Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM or the Museum) proudly presents the upcoming special exhibition titled “The Forbidden City and the Palace of Versailles: China-France Cultural Encounters in the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries” (“The Forbidden City and the Palace of Versailles”), which will open on 18 December 2024. Coinciding with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France, “The Forbidden City and the Palace of Versailles” is jointly organised by the HKPM, the Palace Museum, and the Palace of Versailles. This exhibition also marks the first time when prized treasures from the two World Heritage Sites, the Forbidden City and the Palace of Versailles, are featured and juxtaposed in one exhibition in Hong Kong.

Nearly 150 magnificent treasures from the Palace Museum and the Palace of Versailles have arrived in Hong Kong. The curatorial and conservation teams from the three museums have meticulously conducted condition checks and installation in preparation for this spectacular exhibition. This exhibition is financially supported by the Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. Cathay is the Lead Sponsor, and Tigillus Foundation and Centurion from American Express are the Major Sponsors of this special exhibition. The Hong Kong Maritime Museum and The Chinese University of Hong Kong Library have also provided a number of loans.

The exhibition highlights a rich history of mutual admiration, inspiration, and exchange in the fields of culture, arts, science, and beyond between the courts of China and France during the latter half of the 17th century and throughout the 18th century. The diverse artefacts on display include royal portraits, exquisite porcelains, glassware, enamelware, and textiles, as well as books and scientific instruments. Among the exhibits are nine first-grade Chinese national treasures from the Palace Museum, alongside recent acquisitions from the collection of the Palace of Versailles. Many of these prized works are being displayed in Hong Kong for the first time.

Highlights from the Palace Museum:

·  The chrysanthemum pot (1783) was “commissioned by China but made in France”. The pot was long believed to be a Guangdong-made gift from officials to the Qianlong Emperor (r. 1736–1795). Recently, Palace Museum experts have uncovered a small hidden red inscription that reads “Coteau”, indicating that it was created by the renowned French enameller Joseph Coteau (1740–1812). A prized item in the collection of the Qianlong Emperor, this exquisite pot embodies the interaction and convergence of techniques and aesthetics between China and France.

·  The quiver and bow case, designed to hold bows and arrows, was made between 1736 and 1795 and decorated with French-made brocade with a symmetrical “lace-patterned” design. This type of brocade, mainly produced in France, was in vogue during the 1720s. During this period, China was a major centre for silk production, exporting large quantities of Chinese silk to France, much to the delight of the French populace. The Qing court also attempted to produce silk fabric featuring French silk patterns. These practices evidenced the role of silk as an important medium in the exchange of craftsmanship between China and France.

Highlights from the Palace of Versailles:

• The perfume fountain (1736–1743) exemplifies how Chinese porcelains were collected and adorned by the French court. Originally placed in the king’s wardrobe, it holds the distinction of being the only known Chinese porcelain with evidence of Louis XV (r. 1715–1774)’s ownership. Produced by ceramic artisans in Jingdezhen, China, this piece imitates Chinese Ge ware in glaze. The exquisite gilded bronze mounts were likely made in France based on sketches by French artisans. In the flamboyant French Rococo style, this work testifies to the vital cultural exchange and convergence between China and France.

• The portrait of the Qianlong Emperor on porcelain plaque (1776) was based on a painting created by the Italian Jesuit missionary Giuseppe Panzi (1733–1812), who served China’s Qing court. This portrait on the porcelain plaque was created in France at the Sèvres Manufactory under royal patronage. Louis XVI (r. 1774–1792) acquired this porcelain plaque in 1776 and displayed it in his study at the Palace of Versailles. Reportedly, he later obtained an identical piece and presented it as a diplomatic gift to the Qianlong Emperor.

In conjunction with this exhibition, the Museum will launch dynamic and diverse educational activities, including public talks and innovative family workshops, which combine interactive theatre with artmaking activities, allowing participants to travel back to the era of the Kangxi Emperor and Louis XIV. Throughout the exhibition period, visitors are invited to take part in a special in-gallery learning activity and “earn” a beautiful commemorative postcard inspired by the exhibition. Further details regarding learning activities and programmes will be announced on the Museum’s website and social media pages.

“The Forbidden City and the Palace of Versailles” will be open to the public from 18 December 2024 through 4 May 2025 in Gallery 9 of the HKPM. Tickets for this special exhibition are priced at HK$150 for adults and HK$75 for concessions*. Holders of a Full Access Ticket, priced at HK$180 for adults and HK$90 for concessions*, can access this exhibition and Bank of China (Hong Kong) Presents: “The Origins of Chinese Civilisation” in Gallery 8, as well as other thematic exhibitions (Galleries 1 to 7) on the same day. Tickets are available for sale or reservation through the West Kowloon Cultural District’s online ticketing platforms and ticketing partners. Please refer to the HKPM website for more information.