Cultures are not monoliths, they are multi-faceted and influence each other in a myriad of ways. The National Palace Museum in Taipei is showcasing Chinese and Arabic art produced under the influence of diplomatic and economic exchanges during the Ming dynasty.
In the first half of the 15th century, a Muslim admiral from Yunnan serving at the Ming imperial court, Zheng He, sailed across the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean to reach the Arabian Peninsula. Exchanges between these two areas also occurred along land routes, with texts, tools, paintings, and calligraphy changing hands. Taipei’s National Palace Museum is showing a selection of these traded artifacts, in its special exhibition called “Sail to the Horizon - Islamic Inspiration in the 15th Century”.
The museum’s Deputy Director Yu Pei-Chin says that Islamic influence in East Asia persisted even after 1433, when Zheng He’s exploration voyages ended. This is why the exhibition encompasses the entire 15th century.
The exhibition is divided into themed sections, showcasing interesting aspects of cultural exchange between China and the Arabian Peninsula. For example, an entire section is dedicated to Chinese explorers’ fascination with giraffes, which they thought was the mythical creature qilin.
Another section showcases Arabic influences in Chinese porcelain art.
Similar items are shown in illustrations depicting Ming dynasty officials in Persian gardens, drinking from Chinese-style porcelain.
The cultural influences went both ways, as evidenced by some of the relics housed in the National Palace Museum. This illustration from a 15th century Quran is most likely a Chinese gift or export to the region. Another example of the exchange is mutual emulation of artistic style, which can be seen in this Turkish painting.
The National Palace Museum hopes that through showcasing interesting stories and pieces of art, it can spark interest in cultural exchanges between East and West, and transport audiences to the 15th century for a few brief moments. The exhibition will run until January 26th of next year.