Bridging Past to Present: Citi Exhibition Reveals Hidden Treasures of China's Past

Embark on a captivating journey through time as the British Museum is set to unveil a new exhibition that sheds light on the resilience and creativity of 19th-century China.

The highly anticipated Citi exhibition, titled ‘China's Hidden Century,’ offers a unique glimpse into a pivotal period in Chinese history that serves as a vital link to the nation's modern identity today.

Opening its doors to the public on 18 May to 8 October 2023 in the Sainsbury Exhibitions Gallery at the British Museum, this exhibition takes visitors on a captivating journey through the material culture of various segments of 19th-century Chinese society.

Hartwig Fischer, Director of the British Museum, said: "The Citi exhibition China's hidden century is a world first and showcases the resilience of the many people who lived in Qing China. I would like to express my gratitude to Citi for making this exhibition possible and helping us to illuminate the lives and culture of 19th-century China. I'd also like to thank the Huo Family Foundation for their support."

The immersive experience showcases the visual richness of this era, encompassing the court, the military, artists and writers, farmers and city-dwellers, globalized communities of merchants, scientists and diplomats, as well as reformers and revolutionaries. With a

collection of 300 objects, half sourced from the British Museum and the other half borrowed from 30 different British and international lenders, the exhibition unveils many of these artifacts for the very first time.

The Treaty of Nanjing

Ceramic tile from the ruined Summer Palace

Festive robe (jifu) of blue silk for an emperor

Spanning from the accession of Emperor Jiaqing in 1796 to the abdication of Emperor Puyi in 1912, marking the end of 2,000 years of dynastic rule, this period witnessed cataclysmic civil and foreign wars, including the infamous Opium Wars instigated by Britain.

Amidst the tragedies and conflicts that claimed the lives of millions, the people of 19th-century China embarked on a resilient and multifaceted pursuit of modernity. Individuals from various social classes and economic groups displayed extraordinary resourcefulness and embraced cultural and technological advancements in domains such as art, politics, war, craftsmanship, literature, and fashion.

The exhibition showcases the expertise of conservators who have revived hidden treasures. Among them is a waterproof straw cape, originally crafted for street workers, farmers, or fishermen. Conservators have meticulously brushed each individual strand of straw and carefully humidified every stalk, reviving the cape to its original form. This thorough restoration process serves as a testament to the exceptional craftsmanship that thrived across all segments of late imperial Chinese society.

Waterproofs for a worker. This coat was made by folding layers of straw or leaves, then stitching them to the layer above using rice-straw thread.

Visitors will also get a glimpse of a magnificent robe - on loan from the Metropolitan Museum of Art - once owned by Empress Dowager Cixi. The gown, adorned with a sweeping phoenix, vibrant chrysanthemums, and wide sleeve bands, showcases a captivating blend of Manchu, Chinese, and Japanese designs in purple, gold, and turquoise.

Kesi Robe with Japanese-style decoration

Military waistcoat

The exhibition materialized through a comprehensive four-year research initiative backed by the Arts and Humanities Research Council and led by the British Museum and London University and was made possible by the collaboration of over 100 scholars from 14 countries. Jessica Harrison-Hall, Head of the China Section, comments: "[…] Our aim was to celebrate the contributions of remarkable individuals. Putting the show together has been a huge collaborative effort and it has been wonderful and inspiring to work with so many scholars, collectors, designers and students."

Citi, a renowned banking partner and prominent player in wealth management, is furthering its commitment to supporting the British Museum. Through the five-year Citi Exhibition Series, Citi continues its longstanding association with the museum, which began in 2012 with the esteemed Citi Money Gallery. This series offers a unique opportunity to explore a wide range of subjects using the museum's extensive and diverse collection, shedding light on historical contexts that resonate with contemporary themes.

James Bardrick, Citi Country Officer, United Kingdom, said: "We are immensely proud to continue our partnership with the British Museum, which started in 2012, through the Citi Exhibition Series. As the world's most global bank, we value diverse perspectives and believe that sharing and celebrating culture drives progress. With the Citi exhibition, China's hidden century, we are proud to help the museum explore the phenomenal cultural creativity of 19th. century China in a global first.