The three-month exhibition, titled “The World of Khubilai Khan: Chinese Art in the Yuan Dynasty,” features over 200 paintings, textiles, and decorative pieces.
The displayed works come primarily from China, but the exhibit includes loans from over seven countries including Germany, Taiwan, and Canada.
The Yuan dynasty (1271-1368), founded by Mongolian general and grandson of Genghis Kahn, Khubilai Khan, is considered one of China’s most culturally prosperous periods. The exhibition includes works from the period of his birth to the fall of the Yuan dynasty.
The exhibition is categorized thematically into four parts and features new art forms, which emerged during the unification of China under the Yuan dynasty.
Designed to capture what Marco Polo saw upon his first arrival to the capital Dadu, the first section features the portraits of emperors, alongside costumes festooned with jewelry and various other luxurious pieces. The section is followed by a display of paintings and sculptures originating from the many religions practiced during the Yuan dynasty.
Works of calligraphy and paintings from the most prominent artists of the time make up the third segment, while the fourth portion focuses on decorative arts like porcelain, textiles, and lacquer. Visitors can feast their eyes on luxurious silks from China and Central Asia, which reveal the shared weaving techniques between Iran and China at the time. Also featured are some of the earliest pieces of blue and white porcelain, which would become among the most widespread porcelain motifs worldwide.
History and art enthusiasts can also enjoy a 360-page catalog published by the Met to complement the exhibition. The catalog will be available for sale at the Museum’s bookshop and online.
On Oct. 8 the exhibit’s curator will present a lecture on the exhibit. Additionally, another lecture program designed to provide an insight into Khan’s world, titled “Sunday at the Met” will be available on Oct. 24. “Perspectives on the World of Khubilai Khan,” an international symposium will be held on Dec. 3 at the Met’s Grace Rainey Rogers Auditorium. The event is included with admission to the Museum.
