On October 24, the Louvre Museum in Paris hosted the themed art exhibition “Brocade and Embroidery: A Fibre Which Connects Us,” marking the beginning of the 2024 “Nanjing Week” series of cultural exchange activities between China and France. The event was attended by Brigitte Macron, the First Lady of France, who expressed her enthusiasm for the exquisite handicrafts on display and acknowledged Nanjing’s commitment to promoting Sino-French cultural dialogue.
The exhibition coincided with the International Heritage Fair, a significant global cultural heritage event. It features three distinct sections: “Heavenly Garments,” “Weaving Machines,” and “Clothes Renewed.” Attendees were treated to a diverse array of exhibits, including Yunjin cultural relics, textiles that blend Eastern and Western influences, and modern installation art. The showcase also highlighted collaborative works created by three globally renowned designers alongside Nanjing’s intangible cultural heritage inheritors, all part of the Sino-French “Splendid” residency programme. One of the standout moments included Huang Xiaoxian, a contemporary origami artist and designer from Nanjing, who conducted a demonstration on folding a traditional Chinese love letter.
The exhibition received high praise from various representatives, including the French Chamber of Trades and Crafts, the French Building Federation, and the French Art Union. The blending of traditional Chinese craftsmanship with modern fashion design captivated many attendees, particularly younger visitors, who enthusiastically shared their experiences on social media. They admired Nanjing’s ability to preserve the art of hand-weaving amidst a landscape dominated by machine production, noting that the modern artifacts inspired by Yunjin make ideal souvenirs for travellers. The exhibition offered visitors a glimpse into a more traditional, diverse, and innovative side of China, leading many to consider Nanjing as their next travel destination.
Organised by the Information Office of the Nanjing Municipal People’s Government, the 2024 “Nanjing Week” will also include a variety of events, such as Silk Road-themed cultural exchanges and twin-city dialogues in France, aimed at further strengthening Sino-French friendships through mutual learning. Since its inception in 2015, “Nanjing Week” has become an important cultural outreach initiative, with events held for nine consecutive years in prominent cities such as Milan, London, and New York. The programme has included over 100 events designed to promote Nanjing as an international symbol and showcase China’s rich cultural heritage.
The Louvre exhibition serves as a testament to the enduring cultural ties between China and France, and it reinforces Nanjing’s role as a pivotal player in the global cultural landscape. As the week unfolds, participants can look forward to a series of enriching experiences that celebrate the shared heritage and artistic collaborations between the two nations.
