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Chinese decorative art collection
Chinese applied and decorative art collection in the Hermitage is the
most extensive in Russia. It represents all main aspects of the applied
arts of China from the early periods up to the 20th c. There are examples
of ancient and late Chinese bronzes, porcelain, cloisonne and painted
enamels, carved lacquers, wood, bamboo, ivory, jades, gold and silver
etc. Some collections like the enamels or silver rank among the best collections
in the world.
Chinese decorative art started to be collected in Russia in the 17th c.
At that time it was a luxury - silk, porcelain or lacquer furniture were
extremely expensive, and pieces of art were acquired to decorate the interiors
of the palaces. These artistic objects were brought by the merchants,
caravans, or by the embassies sent to China. Starting from the early 18th
c. some ethnographical collections of curiosities as well as of pieces
of art were founded: in Kunstcamera, in the Tsars' palaces of St.Petersburg,
in the summer palaces in Peterhoff, Tsarskoe Selo, Oranienbaum, in the
houses of the nobility. Many objects were rarities, and attracted attention
because of the exotic and expensive materials or unusual designs.
The Chinese applied art nowadays exhibited in the Hermitage originate
from the Imperial Gallery of Jewelry, from Winter palace and summer residencies,
or were acquired from the collections of Stroganoff, Usupoff, Sheremetev,
Polovtzoff or other noble families.
The extensive and rich collection of Chinese art was transferred to the
Hermitage in 1920-30th from the Ethnographical Department of the Russian
Museum and the Museum of the School of decorative art and design of baron
A.Stieglitz.
The exhibition shows the masterpieces of Chinese decorative art, reveals
the skill of the artists, focuses on the shapes, rare materials, shows
the designs and explains the symbols of the decoration.
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The basin with the lotus decoration
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Cloisonne enamel vase
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Brush-holder
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