Photo: Museum of Ethnography/Facebook
Eurasia
16/10/2024 13:48
Fine Dining: Food Stories of Ancient China, an exhibition that originated in distant China and has travelled to Liechtenstein, Paris, and Hong Kong, is now on display at the Museum of Ethnography in Budapest. The exhibition runs from 16 October 2024 to 19 January 2025. This unique showcase features around 90 artefacts from the collection of the National Museum of China, spanning from ancient to modern times, according to the museum’s website.
The exhibition offers the public an in-depth look into the millennia-old traditions of Chinese food customs, highlighting their depth, charm, and diversity. Visitors will discover a culture where the preparation of food and drink went beyond mere sustenance, embodying spiritual significance and other cultural dimensions.
Gábor Csaba, Deputy State Secretary for Cultural Diplomacy at the Ministry of Culture and Innovation, remarked at the exhibition’s opening that this event is a significant occasion for Hungarian-Chinese cultural relations. He noted that a large-scale exhibition showcasing the ancient periods of China’s 5,000-year gastronomic history and related material culture is being hosted by the Museum of Ethnography, which holds one of the richest ethnographic and folk art collections in Europe.
The exhibition, a result of cooperation between museums, demonstrates how cultural exchange can foster mutual respect and understanding between countries and peoples of different cultures. Csaba added that the exhibition provides insight into the linguistic, philosophical, and spiritual components of Chinese gastronomy through its rich material, images, and texts, highlighting how our present era is deeply rooted in cultural traditions, ancient experiences, and wisdom.
Gong Tao, China’s Ambassador to Hungary, highlighted that 2024 is an important year for Sino–Hungarian relations, as it marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the enduring friendship between the two nations. “Building on this, we aim to move forward, deepen our understanding of each other, and continue to strengthen our relations, seizing more opportunities for cooperation," he was quoted by MTI as saying.
He further noted that, in celebration of this milestone, Chinese President Xi Jinping made a successful and historic visit to Hungary in May. During this visit, the relations between the two countries reached a new level, evolving into an extensive and comprehensive system of cooperation. One of the outcomes of the May visit, he explained, is the current exhibition, which will further solidify Hungarian-Chinese relations.
Gong Tao emphasised that the exhibition showcases utensils from ancient to modern times, representing China’s rich food culture and offering insight into daily life. "Chinese food is also loved by Hungarians, and when we visit Budapest, we see many Chinese restaurants," he said, adding that the exhibition will further strengthen cultural and gastronomic ties, contributing to the friendly relations between the two nations.
