TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The National Palace Museum (國立故宮博物院) launched a special exhibition titled "The Dragon" on Tuesday (Nov. 18) at the Musée du quai Branly (布朗利河岸博物館) in Paris. The exhibition explores the multifaceted significance of dragons in history and culture. Hsiao Tsung-huang (蕭宗煌), Yu Pei-chin (余佩瑾), and Emmanuel Kasarhérou (卡薩耶胡) jointly inaugurated the event, emphasizing the importance of artifact security.
The exhibition highlights National Palace Museum treasures, including the "Jade dish with openwork dragon design" (玉龍紋盤) and the "Celestial globe vase with lotus and dragon decoration in underglaze blue" (青花穿蓮龍紋天球瓶) from the Yongle period. Yu stated that the museum lent 83 pieces, including nine national treasures, divided into four sections: "Images of the Dragon," "Stories of the Dragon," "Imperial Dragon Culture," and "Contemporary Variations of the Dragon."
The first three sections feature artifacts from the National Palace Museum, while Musée du quai Branly collaborated with other institutions, such as the Musée des Arts Asiatiques, Musée Guimet, and Musée Cernuschi. Among the other treasures are the "Pan water vessel with coiling dragon pattern" (蟠龍紋盤) from the late Shang period and jade seals commemorating Emperor Qianlong's 70th and 80th birthdays.
Hsiao noted the museum's recent focus on the core values and historical context of artifacts, aiming to deepen understanding among Taiwanese and international audiences. The exhibition not only presents the origins and imperial symbolism of dragons but also highlights their role in modern life and human connections.