China’s Han Dynasty Shines in Hungary: An Exemplary Exhibition of Cultural Exchange

Hungary, being the pioneering European country to embrace the Belt and Road Initiative with China, has become a significant hub of cultural exchange between the two nations. On June 24, an awe-inspiring exhibition— “Jade Armour of Immortality-Treasures of China’s Han Dynasty“— opened its doors at the Móra Ferenc Museum in Hungary. Hailing from the renowned Shanghai Museum, the exhibition of ancient Chinese relics has been a spectacular success, attracting nearly 10,000 visitors to appreciate the brilliance of traditional Chinese culture, a milestone in Chinese culture’s global outreach.

Jointly curated by the Shanghai Museum, the Xuzhou Museum, and the Archaeology of Chengdu, this remarkable exhibition has put on display 111 impressive artifacts from the Han Dynasty (206BC-AD220). This diverse collection, encompassing jade, lacquerware, pottery, bronze, seals, stone carvings, and coins, offers a comprehensive insight into this golden era of Chinese history.

The Han Dynasty marked a period of remarkable economic and cultural prosperity in China, giving birth to the ancient Silk Road. This critical trading route served as a significant bridge for economic and cultural exchanges between China and neighboring countries, a legacy that continues to this day.

The Shanghai Museum contributed 86 star artifacts to the exhibition, each piece telling a unique story about the Han Dynasty’s rich history. The exhibition, divided into four sections, presents an in-depth and accessible exploration of the Han Dynasty’s politics, economy, and culture, thereby promoting understanding and appreciation of Chinese ancient art and culture among foreign visitors.

The exhibition in Hungary is not the first instance of such cultural reciprocity. In 2017, the “Sissy and Hungary: The Magnificent Life of Hungarian Aristocracy in the 17-19th Century” exhibition from the Hungarian National Museum was held at the Shanghai Museum, reinforcing the enduring cultural dialogue between Hungary and China.

2023 marks the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative. Chu Xiaobo, the director of the Shanghai Museum, highlighted Hungary’s significance as an early diplomatic ally of China and an important partner in the Belt and Road Initiative. Through this exhibition, the museum aims to facilitate an enriching cultural exchange, fostering mutual understanding and appreciation of global civilization.

Chu emphasized the need for further promotion of cultural communication among countries along the Belt and Road Initiative, enabling the world to “see” China in its full cultural glory.

The exhibition marks the Shanghai Museum’s first cultural “going out” brand. The showcase will continue until December 31, 2023, and is anticipated to tour multiple countries, further spreading the allure of Chinese culture and history.

READ MORE:

• Hungarian Art Treasures Unveiled at China’s National Silk Museum
• Han Dynasty’s Splendor Revived at Hungary’s Móra Ferenc Museum
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