Published: 03/08/2023
It seems churlish to talk about two Exhibitions in one piece but they are united by the beauty of the objects they show, even though the stories they tell are centuries apart and so fascinating in themselves.
The power of the Persian Empire (famously defeated by the Greeks) is visible: the King’s peripatetic court which impressed its subjects with exquisite gold vessels is represented by the star of the show, the Panagyurishte treasure found recently in Bulgaria. The skill involved is breath taking.
The Greek vessels show how the potters made a playful nod to their vanquished enemy by, for instance, showing the King with his feet on a stool (kings’ feet should not touch the ground) and being shielded by a parasol. They copied the Persian rhyton drinking cups, making them more down-to-earth clay with humorous changes to the image when you tipped the vessel to pour.
The Chinese Exhibition is bigger. Apart from the beautiful chrysanthemum pictures, the hanging scroll, the children’s toys, the headdresses, the craftsmanship of the objects and much more, the stars for me were the textiles, the very beautiful and varied silk garments decorated exquisitely. Clothes worn by people in more humble stations were also fascinating.
Sadly, the Persia to Greek Exhibition will close on 13 August but China’s Hidden Century continues until 8 October.
Click here for details of exhibitions
Has anyone else seen either of these? If so inspired, do send in any comments by clicking here
