100 Treasures, 100 Stories: An exceptional exhibition of rare jewels from the imperial collections of the National Palace Museum at the National Museum of the Czech Republic

This iconic object, whose popularity is comparable to that of the Mona Lisa, is the highlight of the exhibition 100 Treasures, 100 Stories, which also features dozens of other rare artifacts from the imperial collections – from nephrite and jadeite sculptures to porcelain and glass masterpieces, scrolls, calligraphy, and impressive lion sculptures. This extraordinary exhibition project was prepared by the National Museum of the Czech Republic in collaboration with the National Palace Museum.

The exhibition is divided into 10 thematic sections representing various aspects of Chinese culture – from cabinets of curiosities with masterful jade and nephrite carvings to scrolls depicting the lives of literati and everyday scenes, to objects with motifs of supernatural beings and animal pets. Interactive elements allow visitors to explore the exhibits in detail and literally step into their stories. Visitors thus have a unique opportunity to see treasures from the collections of Chinese emperors, especially the Qing dynasty, which ruled from the mid-17th to the early 20th century. They can look forward to jade and jadeite gems, porcelain and masterful glass artifacts, diverse examples of calligraphy, and the exceptional aesthetic experience that the exhibition offers.

The exhibition 100 Treasures, 100 Stories offers not only rare historical artifacts, but also breathtaking multimedia experiences. Visitors can literally immerse themselves in Chinese landscape paintings thanks to an interactive installation that allows them to explore the details of the works of Jesuit painter Ignatius Sichelbarth, a missionary from Bohemia who was promoted to head of the Imperial Painting Academy and court painter to the emperor for his work in Beijing, and who brought European and Chinese art together in the 18th century. Two large-format projections draw the audience into the story of Giuseppe Castiglione, who brought Western painting techniques to the imperial court. The exhibition thus connects the past with the present and offers a fascinating visual journey across cultures and centuries. The digital animation of the famous scroll Journey Along the River During the Festival of Pure Brightness is one of the visual highlights of the exhibition. This monumental painting from the Qing dynasty transports visitors to a bustling city full of life, markets, and a festive atmosphere. Visitors can literally "walk" through the scroll, which is over 11 meters long, from the rural landscape to the theatrical performance to the vibrant scene at the rainbow bridge, where boats, people, and goods flow. The animation brings every detail to life and offers a fascinating glimpse into everyday life in ancient China. For example, we can see a man falling from his horse, a market vendor selling ginseng, or noble girls curiously watching the events behind the garden walls from a swing.

The highlight of the exhibition is the iconic work Cabbage with Grasshopper and Locust, one of the most admired treasures of the National Palace Museum, exhibited in Europe for the first time ever, which is comparable in popularity among visitors to the National Palace Museum to the Mona Lisa in the Louvre in Paris. The 20-centimeter head is carved from a single piece of jade, which is naturally two-toned, emerald green and grayish white. In ancient China, this color combination symbolized gentleness and purity of character. The transition between the two color layers is very subtle, which the artist took advantage of in creating this unique work. Two types of insects are hidden in the dark green leaves: a larger grasshopper with long antennae and a smaller locust. They refer to one of the most famous works of traditional Chinese literature, the Book of Songs from the 11th to 6th centuries BC, in which these insects symbolize the abundance of children and grandchildren. While the frequently used nephrite has been known in China since ancient times, jadeite began to be imported from Burma only in the 18th century.

The cabbage head can be examined in detail through a large-format animated animation, where this motif alternates with the motif of the scroll Journey on the River on the Feast of Purity and Brightness and the motif of a blooming garden with birds.

Motifs with a moral message often appear in Chinese art and literature. One of the most important symbols is the carp, which embodies success, patience, and perseverance. Legend has it that a carp that overcomes the wild river rapids will turn into a dragon. This story has become a symbol of the life journey of a scholar who, after passing difficult exams, can achieve a high position – becoming a minister or advisor to the emperor. The exhibition features a striking sculpture of two carp made of dark green jade, which are in the process of transforming into dragons. This artistic object is not only visually appealing, but also reminds us of the power of perseverance and belief in personal growth.

At the beginning of the exhibition, visitors are greeted by another symbol – a pair of lions, guardian animals that were considered symbols of power and protection in both Europe and Asia. The lion came to China as an artistic motif from Western regions during the Han Dynasty around the turn of the millennium, along with the spread of Buddhism in the country. Gradually, the lion became a benevolent creature that protected homes and warded off evil in traditional Chinese culture. The majestic and magnificent pair of lions resembles the stone lions that used to stand on either side of the gates of imperial offices or wealthy residences.

The exhibition features dozens of beautiful and significant artifacts that represent the richness and diversity of Chinese culture. Among them are a two-story red sandalwood cabinet with porcelain panels, jade discs, archery rings, statuettes, vases, cups, European watches with richly decorated dials, snuff bottles made of porcelain, glass, metal, or semi-precious stones, objects from everyday life or the elegant world of scholars, a mirror from the 1st century AD with unique optical technology, illustrations of demonic beings from literary works, paintings of cats as symbols of longevity, and other everyday objects. Each exhibit tells a unique story about the aesthetics, spiritual values, and historical contexts that shaped Chinese civilization.

The items on display are on loan from the National Palace Museum in Taipei. These museum collections come mainly from the collections of Chinese emperors. They represent objects of art and craftsmanship from throughout Chinese history.

The exhibition 100 Treasures, 100 Stories is open at the National Museum of the Czech Republic until the end of the year, every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.