Jump to navigation Jump to content Jump to contact Jump to search Jump to search Jump to footer

Art and Aesthetics from China’s Forbidden City

2 December 2025 - 6 April 2026

A round, vibrant blue glass bottle with a narrow neck and a green lid. The bottle has a smooth surface and a simple, elegant shape, reflecting light subtly. It stands upright against a neutral gray background.
Qianlong-Marked Blue Glass Snuff Bottle © The Palace Museum

From 2 December, the Kunsthistorisches Museum is showing the special exhibition Art and Aesthetics from China’s Forbidden City in the Golden Hall of the Kunstkammer.  

Jointly curated by the Palace Museum and the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the exhibition brings together 76 masterpieces in an integrated display concept. Presented in dialogue with works from the Kunstkammer, they explore the aesthetics of Chinese court life in the eighteenth century, highlighting the parallels and contrasts between East and West in their artistic expressions of power, culture, and ideals of life during comparable historical periods.

Most of the objects, including imperial jade carvings and porcelain treasures, are being shown in Europe for the first time. 

Focusing on the theme ‘Harmony in Diversity’,

the exhibition explores the remarkable achievements of eighteenth-century Chinese court art and craftsmanship. The artistic philosophy of the time emphasized both aesthetic effect and symbolic meaning while aspiring to the highest standards of workmanship. The artworks – ranging from jade, porcelain, lacquerware, and enamel objects to clocks – illustrate the Chinese court’s aesthetic principle of ‘using objects to convey meaning’ through categories such as scholarly, decorative, and functional works of art. 

A green jade snuff bottle, shaped like a rounded figure, features intricate carvings and a gold-colored stopper at the top. The smooth surface displays varying shades of green, emphasizing its craftsmanship and elegance.
Jadeite Gourd Brooch with Gold Mount © The Palace Museum
A carved jade seal featuring intricate designs, including a decorative arch topped with a stylized lion or dragon. The base has ornate patterns and inscriptions. The overall color is a warm golden hue, showcasing the craftsmanship of the material.
Seal with Chi-Dragon Knob © The Palace Museum
A decorative compact mirror with an intricately designed turquoise and gold interior, featuring floral patterns and a small handle. The mirror is displayed alongside its patterned fabric case, showcasing a blend of colors and textures.
Qianlong-Marked Cloisonné Enamel Mirror with
Interlocking Lotus Pattern © The Palace Museum

‘happiness and blessing’

A decorative belt made of gold and colorful gemstones, featuring three prominent green stones set in ornate mounts. A braided design connects the segments, with a tassel hanging at one end, adding an elegant touch to the piece.
Gilt-Copper Filigree Ruyi Sceptre with Filigree and Jadeite Inlay © The Palace Museum

The centrepiece of the exhibition – a gilt-bronze filigree ruyi sceptre with jade inlay – demonstrates not only the exquisite craftsmanship of Chinese filigree work but also carries the auspicious meaning of ‘happiness and blessing’. The exhibition celebrates the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Austria in 2026.  

Address

Kunstkammer, Hochparterre
Maria-Theresien-Platz, 1010 Vienna
Google Maps

Opening times

Open Daily, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Thu, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.

further visit information

Address

Kunstkammer, Hochparterre
Maria-Theresien-Platz, 1010 Vienna
Google Maps

Opening times

Open Daily, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Thu, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.

further visit information

Further exhibitions

Our exhibitions take you back to the rich history of our museum. Here, proven masterpieces meet newly explored themes - a look at art, culture and the past that continuously illuminates the collection.