Opening of the Zhejiang Celadon Tour Exhibition
The much-anticipated exhibition titled "Zhejiang Celadon Tour" was inaugurated at the China Cultural Center in Rabat on September 10, attracting an impressive turnout of over 120 attendees. This gathering included distinguished representatives from the diplomatic, cultural, and heritage sectors of both China and Morocco. In her opening remarks, the Chinese Ambassador to Morocco, Yu Jinsong, highlighted the significance of porcelain as a remarkable achievement of Chinese civilization. She also acknowledged Morocco's rich ceramic tradition, noting that while Zhejiang celadon and Moroccan ceramics exhibit distinct stylistic differences, both crafts reflect the common aspiration of their respective peoples for a better life.
This year holds special significance as it marks the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges and celebrates the 10th anniversary of the strategic partnership between China and Morocco. Ambassador Yu expressed her hopes that the exhibition would serve as a conduit for enhancing cultural exchanges and cooperation between China and Morocco, as well as within the broader context of Sino-African relations. She emphasized the exhibition's potential to invigorate cultural heritage and foster a community with a shared future between China and Africa.
Significance of Ceramic Heritage
Moroccan representatives also spoke at the event, underscoring the importance of the exhibition in illustrating the role of ceramics as tangible records of human social development. They remarked on the profound ceramic traditions shared by both nations and emphasized that the exhibition showcases the creativity, heritage, and cultural exchanges that bind civilizations together. The hope was expressed that this event would act as a catalyst for leveraging cultural heritage as a vital means of communication between generations and across civilizations.
This extraordinary exhibition features an impressive collection of 40 ceramic pieces that will be on display until September 30. It provides a systematic exploration of the technological advancements and aesthetic values of Zhejiang celadon, utilizing historical sites, shipwrecks, and archaeological discoveries to narrate the story of celadon’s maritime trade with Africa. The exhibition also interlaces the shared historical experiences of China and Morocco, drawing on the travel accounts of the famed explorer Ibn Battuta. In addition to the physical exhibition, an online version has been launched, complemented by interactive workshops focusing on celadon craftsmanship and tea arts.
Furthermore, the event included an academic salon discussing maritime porcelain, which took place on September 11 at the same venue, signaling a robust dialogue surrounding the themes of cultural exchange and heritage preservation.
The exhibition is a collaborative effort co-hosted by the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Culture, Radio, Television, and Tourism, and the China Cultural Center in Rabat. It is organized by the Zhejiang Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, with support from the Jinhua Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism, and the Longquan Museum.
As reported by global.chinadaily.com.cn.
