In the 17th century, the Chinese-ruled Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644) fell, and the Manchu-ruled Qing Dynasty (1644 – 1911) was established. It was a turbulent and violent era in China’s history, but also one of the most creative periods in the history of Chinese painting. Seventeenth-century artists enthusiastically pushed the boundaries of normative representation and imitation (fang) of models to create unique concepts. The concept of originality (qi) resulting from an untouchable personal uniqueness, as well as influences from artworks brought to China by European Jesuits made pure imitations of past masters impossible.

Curator

The exhibition is curated by Birgitta Augustin.

This temporary presentation of the Museum für Asiatische Kunst, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin is part of the permanent exhibition Ethnological Collections and Asian Art in the Humboldt Forum.