Fragments of Power That Have Disappeared. 🏺

Fragments of Power That Have Disappeared. 🏺

In the Romanesque spaces of the monastery, I saw an exhibition dedicated to the last Chinese emperor Puyi. These artefacts impressed me the most. Not as ostentatious symbols of wealth, but as precise carriers of significance.

Every detail has meaning: 🔹 jade and turquoise as symbols of longevity, harmony, and protection, 🔹 zoomorphic shapes (dragon, bird, mythical creatures) as signs of imperial power and the connection between heaven and earth, 🔹 handcrafted artistry, where beauty is not an end in itself, but a language of authority and order.

Puyi ascended the throne as a child and lost his empire before he understood what it meant to rule. Thus, these objects do not appear triumphant today, but rather quietly and vulnerably. They remind us how fleeting power is – and how enduring a story can be.

The evening at Archy was also a meeting of people, ideas, and conversations that had depth. It was stimulating and inspiring, and once again, I encountered many truly fascinating individuals. We are preparing something big!

Many thanks for the invitation.

#monastery #history #exhibition #lastemperor #china

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