Officials pose for a group picture.
DOHA: Internationally-acclaimed exhibition Pearls, Treasures from the Seas and the Rivers, has opened at the National Museum of China in Beijing.
The large-scale exhibition is presented by Qatar Museums, China’s Ministry of Culture and the National Museum of China. It will run until January 8.
This exhibition is the first international expo introduced by the National Museum of China, with a focus on the history, legend, mythology and meaning of pearls from Qatar, China and around the world.
A total of 130 rare and beautiful pieces from the Qatar Museums collection, as well as a spectacular Imperial masterpiece from the National Museum of China’s own collection are on show, providing visitors with a rare opportunity to see one of the finest collections of pearl jewellery in the world.
Under the guidance of Qatar Museums’ Chairperson H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and National Museum of China’s Director H E Lu Zhangshen, the exhibition is a highlight of the Qatar China 2016 Year of Culture initiative, which aims to celebrate, strengthen and enhance cultural relationships and mutual understanding between China and Qatar, and to build upon the long, shared history of cultural and diplomatic relations between both countries.
Co-curated by internationally renowned pearl expert, Dr Hubert Bari, the exhibition highlights the importance of natural pearls from countries in the Gulf region, as part of the region’s rich heritage and identity. It celebrates a wide array of stunning and important objects of historical interest to both countries, and reveals the history of the use of pearls over 2,000 years, from the Roman period until the 21st century.
Among the exquisite exhibits are jewel masterpieces by internationally acclaimed designers, royal pearl tiaras from European monarchies and stunning wearable jewelry made from rare pearls from various regions.
Mohammed Al Othman, Public and International Relations Director at Qatar Museums, said: “We’re delighted to showcase this stunning collection at the National Museum of China, which perfectly reflects Qatar Museums’ focus on art, creativity and heritage, connecting cultures and promoting mutual understanding. The exhibition celebrates a wide array of stunning and important objects of historical interest to both Qatar and China.
“Through this exhibition, we’re determined to celebrate, strengthen and enhance cultural relationships and mutual understanding between China and Qatar and to build upon the long, shared history of cultural and diplomatic relations between both countries, through arts and culture. We’re enormously grateful for His Excellency Lu Zhangshen and his team’s efforts and continued support in making this happen.”
Divided into six parts with over a dozen themes, the exhibition presents “The Natural History of Pearls”, “Pearls in the Arabian Gulf”, “Pearls in the History”, “Natural Freshwater Pearls”, “Pioneers of the Cultured Pearls” and “Cultivating Pearls in Chinese Ways”. “Pearls in the History” is the largest part of the exhibition, occupying nearly half of the exhibition area. It presents masterpieces of exquisite pearl jewelry since the European Medieval period.
