The Wanli Shipwreck: Blue and White Porcelain in Global Trade

EVENT DESCRIPTION

The emergence of blue and white porcelain was a product of mutual influence between Chinese and Islamic civilisations, reaching its peak during the Yongle and Xuande periods of the Ming dynasty (1403-1435). However, it took over a hundred years to replace the mainstream blue and white porcelain and white porcelain. Based on archaeological data, blue and white porcelain became mainstream during the Jiajing period of the Ming dynasty (1522-1566).

This exhibition explores three main themes:

• Theme 1: The Omnipresence of Chinese Blue and White Porcelain-the reasons why blue and white porcelain became the mainstream in the Ming dynasty
• Theme 2: The Story of Shipwreck Porcelain-the significant implications of the Wanli Shipwreck and the emergence of salvaged porcelains
• Theme 3: China’s Shining Gem in the World of Porcelain-how blue and white porcelain became a symbol of China during the Age of Exploration, adapting to Western aesthetics and demands, sparking a continuous flow of creativity and inspiration, and becoming a beautiful aspect of cultural exchange

ABOUT THE ARTIST / ORGANISER

GuWei Museum by Sapientia Foundation: “GuWei” combines the Italian founder’s acquired Chinese surname with his Chinese wife and co-founder’s surname. It is a combination that, in a certain way, mirrors the East-meets-West concept, which is the base of the Museum vision. GuWei Museum intends to promote the knowledge of Chinese and foreign cultures through its collections. The GuWei Museum is committed to passing on Chinese and foreign traditional culture to the next generation by organising exhibitions and cultural and educational activities. Through these activities, the founders aim to contribute to developing Hong Kong’s culture and art. As the first private Museum in the Southern District, the founders also intend to cooperate with artists. Therefore, artists are sincerely invited to exhibit in the Museum to allow the visitors to appreciate the interplay of ancient and modern Chinese and foreign culture and art.