Delve into the extraordinary Chinese art that graces the Royal Collection, one of Europe's most significant assemblages of its kind. This fascinating journey explores a rich cross-section of materials, from delicate porcelain and intricate lacquer to precious jade and luxurious silk, all meticulously crafted in China over many centuries. These remarkable works, numbering around 2,500, have played a central role in furnishing historic and current royal residences, embodying a blend of artistic excellence and diplomatic history. Our story begins with the first British embassy to China in 1792, an ambitious endeavour to forge a treaty of friendship and commerce between King George III and Emperor Qianlong. Discover the unique gifts exchanged, including a stunning lacquer box sent by Emperor Qianlong, chosen to showcase the diverse materials and unparalleled craftsmanship of the imperial workshops. This box, with its intricate carvings and imperial inscription, offers a rare glimpse into the standards of quality reserved for the emperor himself. Discover how George IV, a prolific collector of Chinese art, greatly expanded the collection. For over three decades, as both prince and king, he amassed numerous examples of porcelain and lacquer, prominently displaying them at his iconic seaside residence, the Royal Pavilion in Brighton. Here, these genuine East Asian treasures were combined with European approximations, giving rise to the captivating chinoiserie style. Marvel at the towering porcelain pagodas, some reaching 17 feet high, which became an enduring symbol of China in the European imagination. See further diplomatic gestures, such as the exquisite silk hanging sent to Queen Victoria by Emperor Guangxu for her Diamond Jubilee in 1897. Examine the rich symbolism within its motifs, from auspicious peacocks and cranes representing longevity to scenes adapted from classic literature like The Journey to the West. Later, for the coronation of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911, the last Emperor Puyi gifted two momentous vases, each adorned with nine dragons—a powerful symbol of monarchy in China. Finally, explore Queen Mary's profound love for hardstone carvings, broadening our understanding of jade beyond its conventional definition to encompass various beautiful stones believed to possess protective and life-prolonging powers. Her passion for Chinese art left an enduring legacy, most notably seen in the Yellow Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace, where hand-painted Chinese wallpaper, rediscovered by Queen Mary after languishing in storage, now offers a stunning visual record of the deep artistic and diplomatic connections between Britain and China. This collection truly captures a pivotal moment where two great powers began to establish a formal political relationship through the universal language of art.
