The Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties witnessed prosperous transnational trades along the Maritime Silk Road. Ceramics, lacquerware, paintings, ivory carving, silver ware and fans with portrayals of Chinese people were exported to European countries, promoting cultural exchanges.
An exhibition unveiled on Oct 28 at the China Maritime Museum in Shanghai sheds light on this treasure trove of exported artifacts with a retrospective voyage of history that will run until Feb 28!