Vienna shows rare artworks from the Forbidden City

Snuff bottles made of glass and calligraphy-covered porcelain are among the rare Chinese artworks from the Forbidden City on display in Vienna. Many of them are on display for the first time in Europe. 

The exhibition is jointly curated by Beijing's Palace Museum and the Austrian capital's Kunsthistorisches Museum. Until April, visitors can get a rare glimpse at artworks usually kept behind the walls of the Forbidden City.

"Asian art is very different from Western art," Imre, a visitor from the Netherlands, told CGTN. "I think it's very beautiful."

For Jonathan Fine, Director General at the Kunsthistorisches Museum, this is a unique collaboration. 

"The chance to show the treasures of the Palace Museum from Beijing here next to the treasures of the Habsburg Kunstkammer was something that I thought was tremendously exciting," Fine told CGTN. "The works of art that are selected show a real bridge between Asian art and European art."

As the former imperial palace of China's emperors, the Forbidden City represents the center of Chinese culture. The artworks at the exhibition are a testament to the fine and delicate Chinese craftsmanship of the 18th century which was an important period of dialogue between East and West. Something that is reflected in the art

According to museum director Fine, one of the most special pieces is a jade, carved landscape. "The landscape circle itself is absolutely classical Chinese art. But the base itself is clearly influenced by European baroque forms. And so you see in this work the meeting of East and West."

The centerpiece of the exhibition, which contains 76 artworks, is a Ruyi scepter made of gilded bronze with triple jade inlay. It symbolizes happiness and blessings.

2026 will mark 55 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Austria.