The Antique of the Qianlong Period:

A Mirror Reflecting a Chinese Emperor’s Attitudes to the Past and the West

NOVEMBER 30, 2016—— FEBRUARY 28, 2017

The Poly Culture Art Center’s exhibition titled “The Antiques of the Qianlong Period: A Mirror Reflecting a Chinese Emperor’s Attitudes to the Past and the West” includes 42 rare art pieces of 18th century from Poly Culture Group’s collection for its unveiling, including bronze-cast animal heads originally from China’s Old Summer Palace. This exhibition opened on November 30th, 2016, and lasted for three months (From November 30th, 2016 to February 28th, 2017).

Poly Culture Art Center’s commemorative installation, valued over USD $60 million, includes four bronze-cast animal heads originally from China’s famed Old Summer Palace.  The rare bronze head of Tiger, Monkey, Pig and Ox figures were part of a collection that represented the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac that adorned the Summer Palace. The bronze-cast heads of the stone statues were among the treasures looted in 1860 during the destruction of the Old Summer Palace by foreign expeditionary forces during the Second Opium War. Since that time, the animal heads have been among the most visible examples of attempts to repatriate Chinese art and artifacts. This is the first time that these historic sculptures have been exhibited outside China since they were repatriated.

“Poly Culture is proud to present these exceptionally rare and valuable Chinese artifacts from the prosperous Qianlong period to celebrate the start of a historic relationship between British Columbia and Poly Culture Group,” commented Poly Culture Group CEO, Yingchun Jiang. “Launching our North American headquarters in Vancouver and opening our state-of-the-art gallery will serve to promote and strengthen ties between the East and West.”