The exhibition “From Lorient to the Orient - Port Cities of China and France on the 18th Century Maritime Silk Route”, organized by the Macao Museum under the Cultural Affairs Bureau, has attracted visitors from all social sectors, such as individual visitors, schools and organizations. The last exhibition date is 30 August, Sunday. Public can take this opportunity to browse this rare exhibition in Macao before it closes.
The exhibition was highly interested by the public, the entry numbering even reaches over 10 000 visitors up to now. Exhibition was supported by several French museums, including the Musée de la Compagnie des Indes - Ville de Lorient, the Musée des Arts décoratifs – Département Mode et Textile (Paris), the Musée national des châteaux de Versailles et de Trianon and the Musée de la Toile de Jouy (Jouy-en-Josas), as well numerous institutions and private collectors to loan those precise displayed items. With the Macao Museum’s collection, it makes the exhibition to become a brilliant and appealing exhibition.
The exhibition presents the maritime trade route between China and France in 18th Century as well as the Chinese silks, tea, porcelains and handicrafts imported to France. Chinese culture, lifestyle and artistic style were deeply impressed by France and continental Europe, giving a surge of “chinoiserie” which lasted for two centuries. The exhibition is highlighted on silk and textile products which revealed Chinese silk’s influence and the affects to French textile industry. Besides, it explores the importance of Lorient port in Chinese-French maritime trade during the 18th century, unveiling "One Belt and One Road" strategy
In order to let the public to explore its theme, the exhibition also includes a documentary presentation about its historical background several activities like seminars, guided tours, workshops and an educational area within the exhibition area. The organization hopes thatvisitors can gain more knowledge about the Chinese-French maritime trade and cultural exchange throughout the diversified activities. Workshops like “Creative Card Holders for Children” and “Hand painted postcards”, took nautical elements (sailing boats) and patters from textiles and porcelains to personalize card holders and hand painted postcards. The activities were highly appreciated and attracted more than 160 residents and tourists.
The Macao Museum opens daily from 10:00am to 6:00pm (ticket office closes at 5:30 pm) and closes on Mondays. Admission is free on Sundays for Macao residents and Macao students by presenting a valid ID or student card. For more information, please call the Macao Museum through the telephone at 2835 7911, during office hours, or browse the website www.macaumuseum.gov.mo.