Art Exported under the supervision of Customs from Guangdong in the Qing Dynasty

Guangdong has been an important hub for foreign maritime trade since the Han Dynasty. After the Qing court issued the “one port policy”, in 1757, the Thirteen Hongs of Guangdong became the only authorized firm in charge of operation and management of maritime trade between China and Western countries. Under the Supervision of Canton Customs, three well-known Chinese products, including silk, porcelain and tea as well as artworks made in Guangdong, such as embroidery, kown-glazed porcelain, Canton carving had been introduced to Europe and the United Stated. Chinese export artworks became a social fashion, setting off Chinese Wind in the West. Guangdong, hence, turned into a crucial hub in the Maritime Silk Road.

Our exhibition selected 114 pieces (sets) of collections of Qing Dynasty exported artwork. These collections not only shows the unique aesthetic under the interactional and mutual context of the traditional Chinese and western styles, but also reflects the meaning of communication and exchange of political, economic, society and cultural between Chinese and Western in the same time.

April 16-June 16, 2017 China Customs Museum