Budapest, the vibrant capital of Hungary, was abuzz with excitement as the China National Silk Museum unveiled its Global Showcase world tour. This tour’s commencement serves as a precursor to the anticipated 2023 Silk Road Week and promises to be a confluence of both tangible and digital displays of the illustrious Silk Road’s culture and art.
The unique fusion of digital and physical showcases is a highlight of this tour. Li Xiaowen, associated with the museum’s Education Department, emphasized that the virtual segment is founded upon a treasure trove of classic exhibitions centered on Chinese silk and the rich Silk Road culture. These have been meticulously accumulated by the museum over a considerable period. Alongside this, patrons can engage with interactive displays spotlighting traditional Chinese sericulture and the nuanced craftsmanship tied to silk creation. Moreover, the flexibility of these virtual displays means they can be effortlessly adapted and enhanced, based on the spatial constraints of different venues throughout the tour.
On the other hand, the tangible exhibits will offer visitors an immersive experience with emblematic Chinese apparel, traditional motifs, and inventive art pieces, further enriched by select cultural relics sourced from international collaborators.
The design and structure of the showcase make it notably efficient. Setting up the exhibits is straightforward, maintenance is minimal, and transportation is cost-effective, making it a distinctive departure from conventional outreach exhibitions.
At the event’s launch, Ji Xiaofen, the museum’s esteemed curator, underscored the tour’s underlying theme. The Global Showcase program shines a spotlight on the enduring charm and cultural significance of silk, a symbol intrinsically tied to Chinese heritage. It aims to bridge cultural divides, foster a spirit of international camaraderie, and present a genuine and affable image of China on the global stage.
In a concurrent development, the Hungarian Agricultural Museum inaugurated the “Charm of the Silk Roads: Auspicious Designs on Chinese Silk Art” exhibition, which is set to enthral visitors till early December. It comprises an impressive 60 sets and 80 facsimiles of age-old silk textiles juxtaposed with modern attire, elucidating the evolutionary journey of Chinese silk art.
Historically, Hungary has been a significant ally of China. It was the inaugural European nation to enter into a partnership agreement with China, promoting the expansive Belt and Road Initiative. Their alliance stands as a testament to collaborative spirit, particularly evident in the realms of culture, art, and education.
Highlighting the symbiotic relationship between the two nations, the Silk Robes for Princes: Luxury Silks and Velvets from Hungary’s Esterházy Treasury exhibition, co-hosted by the Museum of Applied Arts in Budapest, was showcased at the China National Silk Museum earlier this year. This exhibit was met with an overwhelming response, drawing over 240,000 attendees, as per Li.
To further appreciate the importance of the Silk Road Week, initiated in 2020, it’s essential to recognize its expansive reach. Hosted in Zhejiang Province in Eastern China, and orchestrated in collaboration with the National Heritage Board and the People’s Government of Zhejiang Province, this event has seen involvement from over 22 Silk Road countries and upwards of 200 cultural entities.
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