Voyage de Savoir-Faire

Exhibitions Date:
9^th Sep 2022 - 13^th Nov 2022
Venue: chi K11 art museum (B3F, Shanghai K11 Art Mall, No.300 Huai Hai Road, Shanghai)

As early as 1500 years ago, scholars in the Southern dynasties painted the landscapes of all parts of the country on the walls of their living space, in order to view and feel the soothing nature whenever and wherever, appreciating the Taoism and philosophy given by Mother Earth in the paintings.

Moving to 300 years ago, the artisans of the Ming and Qing palaces brought the craftsmanship of gilt-decorated black lacquer to the zenith of its development. They skilfully infused landscapes, flowers and birds, legendary stories or various decorations into daily utensils and uses, which were subtle and exquisite.

Some of these treasures crossing the ocean to the other side of the Eurasian continents, then became a fashionable trend at that time. European aristocrats reimagined the oriental world through the collection of Asian crafts and created a new aesthetic standard of classic craftsmanship including gilt-decorated black lacquer.

Savoir-Faire Imaginary Touring is an oriental way of viewing art and a cultural journey across time and space.

Nowadays, people who are full of enthusiasm for the world may have been confined to a city, a room, a square inch. However, the audience—wanderers of today, can still view the unique and exquisite Chinese traditional craftsmanship conserved and rejuvenated by K11 Craft & Guild Foundation through contemporary digital images, as well as a wide array of immersive and interaction experiences.

Fellow wanderers are invited to take on an expedition to the fantasy world of gilt-decorated black lacquer, and travel to the two golden eras that sparked cultural exchange between China and the West. It’s a journey to experience the impact of Chinoiserie across Europe, to explore the collision and far-reaching influence of Chinese craft culture on the rest of the world.