17/04/2026
From Jingdezhen to Dresden:
Cultural Exchange in the 18th Century
Throughout the late 17th and early 18th
centuries, cultural exchange between Europe and China rode on the back of economic growth underpinned by diplomatic relations mediated via missionaries
rather than ambassadors. Porcelain was an integral part of this“exchange,” in a wider sense. In Saxony, as in Jingdezhen, sales of porcelain kept much needed hard currency flowing into the state coffers. Once arrived on foreign shores, the display of porcelain was a visual representation of a ruler’s worldliness, wealth, and ultimately, his claim to power. In this sense, an alchemical relationship blossomed between Europe and China, as the astronomical and scientific
knowledge that Jesuit missionaries took with them to the Qing court were “exchanged” for Chinese luxury goods that made the return journey back to Europe.
It is a privilege to present a wonderful collection of Meissen brought together by an Asian collector, the first of its kind to return back to Europe for sale.
To be sold this coming Wednesday 22 April
Link in my bio
auction
