Chinese art in GNM Collection
By Mariam Chanishvili
Thursday, January 9
Exhibition Chinese Art in the Georgian National Museum opened on December 27 at Georgian National Museum.
The project, supported by the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Georgia, is dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China.
Along with the exhibition, the presentation of the book took place (Authors: Irina Koshoridze, Marina Dgebuadze, Natia Demurishvili, Nino Simonishvili).
The Chinese culture has been known and appreciated in Georgia since the early medieval period.
It is noteworthy that the Silk Road, the most important trading road went through Georgia. According to archaeological explorations, the best quality silk and porcelain were brought through this road.
China, as a distinguished leader of Oriental civilization and culture, became a trendsetter in the field of architecture, fine arts, decorative and applied art. The biggest and richest heritage, which was acquired by the world from ancient Chinese culture, is a distinct confirmation for this statement.
The first hall is dedicated to the artifact of the original friendship between Georgia and China and the festive posters dedicated to the founding of the People's Republic of China.
The second hall features monuments of ancient Chinese material culture - selected pieces of Chinese fabric, porcelain, miniature, Chinese embroidery, painting, weapons, or small Buddhist plastic. The third hall is dedicated to the modern era, including propaganda posters of the 1950 and 1960 that revive chronicles of the newest history of the People’s Republic of China.
Works created on the Georgian theme in the 80-90s of the 20th c. by Chinese painters – Chen Chuan and Jiang Shilung, who were visiting Georgia - are also exhibited for the first time.
“The number and diversity of Chinese artifacts preserved at the Georgian National Museum gives us a unique chance to keep an eye on the development route of Chinese art from the early medieval period to modern times. At the same time, in the variety of Chinese artifacts, individuality and distinctively impressive artistic aesthetics can be clearly seen,” reads the description of the exhibition.
The 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China is observed with a series of ceremonial events including a grand military parade as its spotlight to celebrate National Day of the People's Republic of China.
