Qianlong-Marked Blue Glass Snuff Bottle © The Palace Museum

VIENNA - From 2 December, the Kunsthistorisches Museum is showing the special exhibition Art and Aesthetics from China’s Forbidden City in the Golden Hall of the Kunstkammer.

Jointly curated by the Palace Museum and the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the exhibition brings together 76 masterpieces in an integrated display concept. Presented in dialogue with works from the Kunstkammer, they explore the aesthetics of Chinese court life in the eighteenth century, highlighting the parallels and contrasts between East and West in their artistic expressions of power, culture, and ideals of life during comparable historical periods.

Most of the objects, including imperial jade carvings and porcelain treasures, are being shown in Europe for the first time.

Focusing on the theme ‘Harmony in Diversity’, the exhibition explores the remarkable achievements of eighteenth-century Chinese court art and craftsmanship. The artistic philosophy of the time emphasized both aesthetic effect and symbolic meaning while aspiring to the highest standards of workmanship. The artworks – ranging from jade, porcelain, lacquerware, and enamel objects to clocks – illustrate the Chinese court’s aesthetic principle of ‘using objects to convey meaning’ through categories such as scholarly, decorative, and functional works of art.

Jadeite Gourd Brooch with Gold Mount © The Palace Museum

Yongzheng Emperor Seal with Qi-Dragon Knob © The Palace Museum

Qianlong-Marked Cloisonné Enamel Mirror with Interlocking Lotus Pattern © The Palace Museum

The centrepiece of the exhibition – a gilt-bronze filigree ruyi sceptre with jade inlay – demonstrates not only the exquisite craftsmanship of Chinese filigree work but also carries the auspicious meaning of ‘happiness and blessing’. The exhibition celebrates the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Austria in 2026.

until 6 April 2026

Gilt-Copper Filigree Ruyi Sceptre with Filigree and Jadeite Inlay © The Palace Museum